Bucks Co. United Way’s School Supply Drive Seeks Support

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — With this year's school shopping season expected to be the most expensive in history, donating school supplies can make a difference for Bucks County families who have to pinch their budgets.

United Way of Bucks County is asking community members to fill backpacks ad hearts by supporting its annual "Stuff the Bus" school supply drive.

The drive, which runs through the end of the month, provides essential supplies to local families in need.

According to the National Retail Federation, 2023 is projected to be the most expensive back-to-school shopping season in history.

“Stuff the Bus ensures that every child in our community has the tools they need to succeed academically,” said Marissa Christie, president and chief executive of the United Way of Bucks County. “Not only that, but it also sends a powerful message of hope and support to kids. No matter the reason their families need help, we’re showing them that Bucks County cares.”

The program distributed more than 3,300 backpacks to K-12 students in 2022.

As the largest back-to-school project in the community, Stuff the Bus serves every school district in Bucks County and 17 nonprofit partners.

“Stuff the Bus plays a vital role in our efforts to close the gap to ensure students have what they need to be successful,” said Dana Bedden, schools superintendent for the Centennial School District in Warminster. “In short, schools can't do it alone, and Stuff the Bus is a crucial part of filling a need for the CSD students and families.”

United Way emphasizes that the most effective way to help Stuff the Bus is by making a direct donation. The nonprofit can then purchase the exact supplies required by school districts at a deep discount, which saves time and money.

Donations can be made online at www.uwbucks.org/stuffthebus or by check, mailed to United Way of Bucks County at 413 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030, with Stuff the Bus written in the memo line.

Stuff the Bus is presented by Univest and is sponsored by First National Bank's Trust of Newtown, Comcast, Dunmore, Foundations Community Partnership, L3Harris Technologies, and PECO.

“Last year, we were inspired to see the impact of Stuff the Bus throughout the county,” said Betsy Roush, community relations manager at Univest Financial. “Univest is delighted to once again partner with United Way to give back to the local communities we serve.”

About United Way of Bucks County

Since 1952, UW Bucks has been improving lives in Bucks County by uniting donors, advocates, and volunteers around the common good. United Way programs focus on the building blocks for a good life: a quality education, a stable income, and good health.

For more information, call 215.949.1660 or visit www.uwbucks.org.