Help us REACH OUR GOAL OF supportING every ELEMENTARY classroom in OUR REGION!
It takes a lot to get ready for the school year. Backpacks, notebooks, pencils, calculators — and that doesn’t include the things teachers need to keep a well-run classroom, like tissues, wet wipes, and paper towels. Stuff the Bus is your chance to help students and teachers start the year off strong. This initiative has always been centered around providing local teachers the opportunity to put supplies in the hands of kids that need them the most, focusing on children from lower-income families.
Our goal is to partner with businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor every elementary school classroom in our region. With your support, we’ll supply every classroom with a gift card to be used for purchasing specific supplies catered to the needs of their individual classrooms.
WHY IT MATTERS
Many teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year on classroom supplies.
Basic items like tissues, disinfecting wipes, pencils, art supplies, and snacks can quickly add up.
When classrooms have what they need, students can focus on learning—instead of worrying.
Help us reach our goal!
Classroom Sponsorship Progress
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![A smiling woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a black and white patterned top and hoop earrings, posing against a gray background.]()
"We are fortunate to live in a community that puts students, families, and community members first! Stuff the Bus does just that! This campaign changes lives and allows students in our community to read, write, and explore with the materials that are funded through Stuff the Bus. We are thankful to the many sponsors that invest in the education of our students!"
Kim Bishop
Vowles Elementary -
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"We are deeply grateful to United Way for their generous support in providing school supplies for our students. Their generosity has helped our students go through the year confident, equipped, and ready to learn. Thank you for making a difference in our community."
Megan Garner
Montabella Community Schools -
![Close-up of a woman with blonde, wavy hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, sitting outdoors with a blurred background of a green lawn and outdoor furniture.]()
"The annual Stuff the Bus campaign through United Way has been such a blessing each year! The support from the community and United Way has allowed me to ensure I have all of the needed supplies to support student learning. My students and I appreciate it so much!"
Brynn Gudeman
Ganiard Elementary -
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"I, along with many other local teachers, benefit greatly from Stuff the Bus. These donations enable us to create a more engaging and effective learning environment while providing necessary supplies to our students."
Nicole Fox
Winn Elementary -
![A smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a red top, in front of a gray background.]()
"We sincerely appreciate the generosity of the community. Many students lives are touched by these donations. This program has supplemented teachers having to purchase items for the classroom on their own. Stuff the Bus is an outstanding program!"
Lisa Seeley
St. Mary's School -
![A woman with long blonde hair smiling at the camera, wearing a brown leopard print blouse, against a textured gray background.]()
"I am so thankful for the support from United Way. The funds provided made a meaningful difference in my classroom by allowing me to purchase much-needed supplies. The contribution helped create a more engaging and supportive learning environment for my students, and we are truly grateful."
Kelsey DeDonado
Greenville Public Schools -
![A woman with dark hair smiling, wearing a black shirt, against a plain light-colored background.]()
"As a teacher who has received the support of Stuff the Bus, I am always in awe of the many businesses, individuals, and organizations who all come together to make this campaign thrive! You all make learning possible for this community's youth—THANK YOU for your contributions that help provide educational opportunities for all classrooms in mid-Michigan!"
Andi Whitmore
St. Mary's School -
![A young woman smiling outdoors, wearing glasses and patriotic earrings made of red, white, and blue yarn, with trees and a park behind her.]()
"As a first grade teacher, I’m incredibly grateful for the generous gift we receive each year from Stuff the Bus thanks to the support of our community. It’s a meaningful reminder that our work is valued and appreciated. These donations truly support student learning, lift our spirits and help us continue to give our best to our students."
Taryn Groeneveld
Ithaca South Elementary
SUPPLIES
Looking to donate classroom supplies? While we've transitioned to a gift card model, we still gladly accept donations of school supplies. We'll ensure they are distributed to the area school(s) of your choice, helping local students and teachers start the school year with the resources they need.