Local school-supply drive surpasses last year's goal

Stuff the Bus, a community effort that raises money and collects school supplies to provide full backpacks to area children in need, has met its goal of filling 1,800 backpacks. That is an increase from the 1,700 backpacks given away last year.

Schools receiving backpacks include school districts in Texarkana and Ashdown, Fouke, Genoa, Hooks, Leary, Maud, Red Lick, Redwater and Atlanta.

"We have about 12 to 15 schools we reach and we also give them out to some local agencies including Domestic Violence Prevention, Inc., Runnin' WJ Ranch and Opportunities, Inc.," said Molly Riley, United Way of Greater Texarkana resource development coordinator and Stuff the Bus committee member.

School officials were able to pick the backpacks up this past week so they will be ready for kids when the new year starts.

Parents who would like to request one of the free backpacks for their child are asked to contact the counselor at their child's school.

"The way to receive the backpack is to call the child's school counselor and ask if their child can be put on the list and it's as easy as that," Riley said.

The effort gives children more than a new backpack and the supplies they need to start school. It also improves their confidence and their ability to learn. "I think it gives each child a level playing ground to start school with," Riley said. "If they're not starting with necessary supplies and basic necessities, they're already starting the school year off on wrong foot. Having to constantly borrow something from one of the other kids is just hard and it's embarrassing I'm sure. I think it also gives them a little bit of confidence that they are just as great as other kids starting school."

The program wouldn't be possible without a lot of help from caring people in the area.

"We couldn't do this without the help of volunteers and community support. We reached out to different businesses and organizations to sponsor certain items or donate them. If not for those donations and the different businesses and non-profits that come and stuff the backpacks we couldn't do this. It runs like a well-oiled machine," Riley said. "We also appreciate the help of Texarkana Resources for the Disabled. The people there are just phenomenal. That's where we do the inventory and some of the things are stored there."

Upcoming Events