The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties recently completed its fourth annual Stuff the Bus program to benefit children in Rutherford and Cannon counties. Over $30,000 worth of school supplies were collected and assembled into 2,015 Back to School Kits by 125 volunteers at the Stuff the Bus Sort-a-Thon. The Back to School Kits were distributed to Rutherford County, Murfreesboro City and Cannon County schools.

Bobbie Palmer, Rutherford County Schools Educator, said, "When children can start school with the same tools as other children it helps level the playing field, therefore, boosting their confidence".

"We are grateful for the support of the community in helping to advance the educational opportunities for children", added Lisbeth Couser, Director of Community Engagement for United Way, "Providing back to school supplies helps children, who face adversity, achieve educational success."

Organizations, companies and individuals participated in the Sort-a-Thon on July 24th at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. Companies participating this year through private donations, in-kind gifts or volunteers included:

Adams Place

Advance Title, LLC

Alpha Delta Kappa

Amazon

Atmos Energy Corp.

Backer-Springfield

Bridgestone La Vergne Plant

Chick-fil-A (Murfreesboro)

City Auto

The Daily News Journal

Dance Murfreesboro

Daymar College

Embassy Suites of Murfreesboro

Fifth Third Bank

First Tennessee Bank

Ford of Murfreesboro

General Mills

Gondolier Restaurant

Greenhouse Ministries

Guaranty Trust Company

Heritage Farms Dairy, Inc.
Ingram Content Group
Interfaith Dental Clinic

JoZoara

Siegel High School Key Club
La Vergne Smiles Family Dentistry

Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corp.
Murfreesboro Medical Clinic
Murfreesboro Warriors Youth Football
Murfreesboro Young Professionals
MTSU Athletics
Redstone Federal Credit Union
Regions Bank
Rutherford County Democratic Party
Rutherford County Government
Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital
Schneider Electric
Standard Register
State Farm
Tangerine Salon and Spa
Target (Murfreesboro and Smyrna)
The Avenue
UPS
Verizon Wireless
Walmart
Yates Services

Sponsors for the event included City Auto, Regions Bank, Guaranty Trust, UPS, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Daymar College, Embassy Suites and La Vergne Smiles Family Dentistry.

For more information about volunteering with United Way, visit www.unitedwayvolunteer.org.