Calendar - Saturday, August 07, 2010

One of the best things about starting a new school year is buying shiny new school supplies. Imagine going to school without them. Unfortunately for many kids, that is exactly what they experience. That's why United Way of Northeast Arkansas has joined forces with KAIT8, Jonesboro Radio Group and Crowley’s Ridge Development Council to “Stuff the Bus” on August 7 with school supplies for kids in need throughout Northeast Arkansas. By donating school supplies, everyone can contribute to a successful school year, with each child having the needed supplies to excel.

Through “Stuff the Bus”, not a single crayon or eraser is wasted. The donations are maximized by distributing items directly to each school. There, a supply closet is accessed throughout the school year by teachers or other staff for their students who don’t have what they need to complete an assignment. All supplies collected are delivered directly to the area schools in time for the start of the school year.

The first United Way of NEA “Stuff the Bus” was held August 13, 2005 with 2 schools in the Newport and Corning areas. The program has grown rapidly in its first years and will benefit more than 19 schools this year in Northeast Arkansas.

Please contact your school Guidance Counselor to access the supplies.

Here’s how you can get involved and join the LIVE UNITED movement:

• GIVE. Donate school supplies at any of 9 Wal-Mart stores throughout NEA on Saturday, August 7 between 9:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. including Jonesboro (Parker Road and Highland Drive), Corning, Newport, Paragould, Pocahontas, Trumann, Walnut Ridge and Wynne.
• ADVOCATE. Tell your friends about this important project.
• VOLUNTEER. Contact Paula Robertson via e-mail (paula.robertson@unitedway.org) or telephone (870-935-3658) at United Way of Northeast Arkansas.
• ADVANCE THE COMMON GOOD. Create opportunities for a better life for all by providing students with necessary supplies.