On September 6, students at 11 Akron public schools were surprised with a free backpack full of classroom materials, courtesy of United Way of Summit County’s Stuff the Bus school supplies drive. Now in its fourth year, and sponsored by Steere Enterprises, Stuff the Bus has grown into one of United Way’s largest and most impactful engagement events.
From July 9 to August 21, individuals and organizations from throughout Summit County – including 49 local businesses – donated 60,218 supplies, amounting to a 54 percent increase over last year’s total. The growth in donations allowed United Way to distribute one backpack full of school supplies to every student at 11 local public schools, nearly double the number of schools served last year.
The summer-long drive culminated with two volunteer events: a sort-a-thon, where volunteers sorted and packed collected items into backpacks, and the delivery day on September 6, where volunteers distributed 3,100 bags to Akron Public Schools students. In total, the event brought together 824 volunteers to help local kids start the school year ready to learn.
United Way volunteer events like Stuff the Bus are a vital part of the organization’s effort to improve key statistics in the Greater Akron area through its Bold Goals for 2025. By ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, Stuff the Bus supports the United Way’s Bold Goal 1 – to boost third grade reading proficiency among APS students – and Bold Goal 2 – to increase the number of APS students graduating high school in four years and raise college/career readiness among graduates.
Find out more about United Way’s volunteer engagement events at uwsummit.org/volunteer.