By: Ryan Duey

Members of the Junction City had one last opportunity to purchase and deposit supplies for “Stuff the Bus” on Saturday, August 3rd at Dillons and the Walmart Supercenter. This effort provides school supplies for children in Geary USD 475, Chapman USD 473, and Saint Xavier School.

Saturday marked the final big collection day. Nichole Mader, United Way Director, explained that the supplies are taken to Spin City, where volunteers count the items over two days before dividing them among different schools. Close collaboration with schools ensures accurate distribution, guided by data from earlier surveys.

Annually, about 7,000 items are received, benefiting approximately 3,500 to 4,000 students. Mallory Larsen, Grandview Elementary School Principal, noted that cash donations were also received, and people stopped by to learn about the mission and take lists of needed supplies. Donations included school supply kits, crayons, markers, and Clorox wipes, with dry erase markers being a significant need.