Bucks Co. Nonprofit Seeking Donations For Students In Need

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — A Bucks County organization is seeking donations for its annual drive to provide students in need with essential supplies.

The United Way of Bucks County's effort, dubbed Stuff the Bus, runs through the end of August. It gathers basics like sturdy backpacks, binders, pens, pencils, sanitizer, tissues, and rulers.

“Starting a new school year is already stressful for many kids,” Marissa Christie, President and CEO at United Way of Bucks County, said in a statement “When a child walks into class with a backpack full of the supplies they need, they can focus on what really matters – learning. Every gift to Stuff the Bus ensures that a student in our community will start the school year prepared to succeed.”

In 2021, the program worked 17 other nonprofits and every school district in Bucks County. All told, more than 3,000 backpacks were delivered to children in need.

Organizers say it's about more than just helping needy students, though. It's important to have some small stockpiles ready in case of contigencies.

“Having these essentials ready at all times is incredibly important,” Katie Matarazzo, Project Manager of Stuff the Bus, said in a statement. “After Hurricane Ida, we saw families come in who had lost everything – and now we’re seeing it again with those from Ukraine. For kids, being able to return to school – and a sense of normalcy – helps so much.”

Monetary donations are requested and can be made online here or by check to United Way of Bucks County at 413 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030, with Stuff the Bus in the memo line