Stuff the Bus: Supplies, Not Students, Fill County Bus

Despite record high temperatures and a down-turned economy, generous donors helped fill a Forsyth County school bus Saturday afternoon so that local students could return to the classroom prepared.

County bus driver Leslie Davis parked her bus in the parking lot of Walmart, located at 1500 Market Place Blvd. in Cumming, and waited in the oppressive heat for donors. It didn’t take long for the first one to arrive and they kept coming throughout the three hour drop-off time frame.

Donors purchased items from the suggested list of supplies on the United Way of Forsyth County Web site and handed them over to Davis. Bags of glue sticks, binders, composition notebooks and backpacks soon filled seats on the bus.

Davis explained how upset students become when they realize they’ve left their school supplies home or when families can’t afford to purchase all the suggested supplies on the lists at various stores. 

“Everyone remembers to donate food and toiletries,” said Davis, “but nobody remembers these things,” she added pointing to the boxes of supplies which occupied seats on her bus. “They’re what’s important to the kids.” 

John Spencer donated items because “I enjoy helping kids get back to school.”

Another donor, who chose to remain anonymous, donated a bag of an estimated 15 jump drives.

Many individuals choose to support the third annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign because it’s affiliated with United Way. “We always try to donate in the community,” said Mike Davis. “We love United Way. We like what they do,” he continued as he handed over a bag of supplies.

As the event was drawing to a close, David Mitchell walked to the bus and handed the driver backpacks and pencils. Mitchell, a member of the United States Army National Guard, shared that he’s visiting the area for the summer and read about the event on Twitter. 

According to Davis, the contributions will be distributed prior to the first week of school through  and Forsyth County Schools. 

Last year, 7,000 items were donated to “Stuff the Bus” and it is hoped that as many, if not more, will be provided this year.

Supplies were also collected at the Walmart at 5455 Atlanta Highway in Alpharetta. Donations will also be collected next Saturday, July 30 at both locations from 11 a.m. to 1 pm.