Stuff the School Bus on Saturday

From left, Walmart associates Patti Hunt and Chelsea Philpott, United Way's Tonya Davis and Connie Boutwell, Walmart co-manager Chris Barrier, associate Sandy Hastings and United Way Director Dawn Holley display the banner that announces the upcoming 'Stuff the Bus' day. Shoppers can donate school supplies from 9 a.m, to 4 p.m. Saturday outside the Walmart doors. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

When you run out to Walmart Saturday, grab a few extra items to throw in the shopping cart.

Then, as you are walking out the door -- give them away.

They don't have to be expensive things: a box of crayons, a book bag, even just a pack of notebook paper. But the more of those "few things" the more people give, the easier life will be for those in difficult circumstances. Although one or two of the items may cost you a couple of more dollars at the checkout, getting the entire supply list for just one child can run much higher.

The United Way of Bedford County is partnering with Walmart and the Bedford County School System to make sure needy children in Bedford County have school supplies this school year. Residents can "Stuff the School Bus" Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with donated school supplies, which will then be donated to local schools in Bedford County. The supplies are divided by school and given out where needed the most.

And, yes -- you will be helping stuff an actual school bus. The big yellow bus will be parked at the Shelbyville Walmart Supercenter. Volunteers, such as local 4-H members, will be taking those donated supplies by the box load and stuffing them into the bus.

According to Connie Boutwell, who works in the Bedford County School System and chairs the Stuff the Bus campaign, Bedford County has an overall poverty rate of 53 percent in the school system serving 8,026 students. There are currently have 4,272 students on the Free and Reduced Lunch Program and system wide (K-12), poverty rates range from 32 - 76 percent. With the number of layoffs and plant closings in the county that have already happened or are due to happen soon, these numbers could soon grow worse.

Supplies needed

24-count crayons

Colored pencils

Black and blue pens

#2 pencils (NO mechanical pencils)

Glue stick

Elmer's glue (or any white glue)

Plastic school box

Plastic blunt Fiskars scissors

Regular scissors

Folders with two pockets and brads (fasteners)

Nap mats

100 count package wide rule paper

70 page spiral notebooks (wide rule) -- some specify red, yellow, and green

Five-subject wide ruled spiral notebook

Eight-line tablets

Book bags

Zipper pencil pouch w/clear front and three holes for notebook

Pocket dividers

Ruled index cards (3x5)

Black marble composition book

One-inch hardback vinyl notebook (plain, solid color, with pockets -- NO zippers or Velcro)

Two-inch three-ring binder