United Way of Marion County is teaming up with organizations and local businesses for this year’s Stuff the Bus Book & Supply Drive through June 15, 2015. Working together, they are asking Marion County residents to help stuff buses full of new and like-new books, as well as school supplies, to help children in Marion County excel in their education.
This year, the number of participating locations has grown to include banks, private industry, retailers and more – so be sure to look for a school bus near you. Public drop off locations include:
- Marion County Children Services;
- The Marion Star;
- United Federal Credit Union locations;
- Huntington Bank locations;
- Marion Technical College;
- Marion Public Library; and
- United Way
“Knowing that in low-income neighborhoods the ratio of age-appropriate books is one for every 300 children, and that 26.4 percent of Marion County children live in poverty, a book drive is a simple strategy to place books in the hands of local children,” stated Pam Stone, Executive Director at United Way. “Ultimately, we want to create better readers that will become better students, and eventually lead to more graduates.”
In addition to books, school supplies are always needed. The local school supply wish list includes:
- Thumb drives
- Expo Markers
- Clorox Wipes
- Highlighters
- Mechanical pencils
- Three ring binders
Books, as well as supplies, will help give a child the tools he or she needs to succeed. Items collected through the drive will be divided and distributed through a variety of community programs and locations that are easy for children to access.
The United Way of Marion County and its community partners are working together to advance the common good by focusing on education, a fundamental building block to a good quality of life.
If your organization is interested in participating, contact the United Way of Marion County at [email protected] or call 740-383-3108.
About Marion Online News
