MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Local students are heading back to class with the tools they need to succeed thanks to a record-breaking community drive. United Way of South Central Tennessee has completed its 15th annual Stuff the Bus campaign, collecting 65,000 school supplies and distributing 3,500 fully stocked backpacks across the region.
The effort directly supports students and families across Rutherford along with Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, and Warren counties. Since launching in 2012, Stuff the Bus has partnered with 10 local school districts to deliver essential supplies directly to classrooms before the first day of school.
Rising costs make the annual collection especially critical for area households.
"With just the cost of everything going up, just taking the burden of crayons and markers and things off of a family's plate for this time of year in the summer is really a game changer for many folks," said volunteer Mark Murphy.
Redstone Federal Credit Union served as the presenting sponsor for the eighth straight year.
"We love rolling up our sleeves and working alongside our local United Way and other community-minded organizations to help make this event a success every year," said Mike Panesi, Vice President and Tennessee Market Executive for Redstone Federal Credit Union. "This effort provides a vital resource for students in our community, helping them walk into the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn."
The campaign relied on support from individuals, businesses, schools, volunteers, and local partners. Additional sponsors for this year's drive included Ascension Saint Thomas, Ingram Content Group, Middle Tennessee Electric, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Publix Super Markets Charities, Regions, Volunteer Limestone, F&M Bank Cares, First National Bank of Middle Tennessee, Jack Daniel's, Old National Bank, State Farm – Andy Womack, Wilson Bank & Trust, Altar'd State, Middle Tennessee Electric SharingChange Foundation, Topre America Corporation, SmartBank, and Rachel and Billy Bruce.
Community members can learn more about local educational initiatives by visiting www.yourlocaluw.org.
