MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: June 12, 2024
School Supply Drive for Hernando Teachers
United Way’s 18th Annual Stuff the Bus
Spring Hill, FL – For the past 17 years, United Way of Hernando County places school buses throughout the community at participating Publix stores every summer for their Annual Stuff the Bus. This education initiative focuses on providing local classrooms the tools needed for the new school year. School bus locations are manned with dedicated teachers and volunteers collecting donated school supplies for Hernando County classrooms. United Way is dedicated to streamlining their supply distribution to local teachers. Stuff the Bus will actively take place Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th at all (8) Hernando Publix Stores.
Studies show that teachers spend an average of $750+ of their own money each year on classroom supplies and needs. United Way of Hernando County’s Executive Director Angie B. Walasek stated, “We have close to 1,500 teachers in our Hernando School system and this is exactly why this event remains a priority for our team. If we can alleviate even the slightest cost burden for a teacher by providing folders, a backpack, or composition notebooks so they can in return provide them to a student who’s in need of the basics, then that is exactly what we’ll continue to do.”
In 2023, over 5,751lbs of school supplies was collected through Stuff the Bus and benefitted over 70 local classrooms. Every year the critical need for supplies grows, while a large majority of our schools and families struggle to provide students with the most basic tools to succeed. United Way understands this need now more than ever and incorporates teacher volunteerism, community participation, and encouragement of the giving spirit to help supply our local classrooms with extra tools.
TAKE ACTION:
- ARE YOU A TEACHER IN HERNANDO?
- Sign up to volunteer at a site and submit your Wish List by visiting UnitedWayHernando.org/Volunteer
- LOVE TO SHOP?
- Purchase any school supply item on July 13th & 14th and help “Stuff the Bus” at a local site. Items can also be dropped off anytime from now until then at the United Way Office – 4028 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL, 34606
- HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
- Would you like to serve as a collection site or even volunteer that weekend? Contact Justine at impact@UnitedWayHernando.org
- Would you like to serve as a collection site or even volunteer that weekend? Contact Justine at impact@UnitedWayHernando.org
Walasek added, “It’s heartening to see the community come together to support such an important cause. Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow. United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” supply drive is a fantastic way to ensure that the children in Hernando County have access to the tools they need to succeed in school.”
More information on United Way of Hernando County’s Stuff the Bus and a list of recommended supply items can be found by visiting UnitedWayHernando.org/StuffTheBus. To easily donate online, visit UnitedWayHernando.org/GIVE.
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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs. UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. UWHC works hard to balance the growing demand for basic services such as food, utilities, and rent assistance, with our ongoing commitment to tackling the underlying causes of complex issues. United Way partners with businesses and organizations that share our vision for improving lives through the power of collective impact and working together. Our support for long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children, youth, adults & elders, encouraging health and wellness, including physical and emotional care, promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency, and crisis intervention. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org.