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Lakeshore United Way launches annual 'Stuff the Bus' school supply drive

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 21:01 GMT by MLive
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Lakeshore United Way Unveils Its Annual “Stuff the Bus” School‑Supply Drive

In a spirited July kickoff that drew volunteers, donors, and a handful of curious onlookers, the Lakeshore United Way (LUW) launched its 2024‑25 “Stuff the Bus” campaign – a community‑driven initiative that bundles backpacks full of supplies and drops them off in the parking lots of Muskegon’s public‑school buses. The drive, now in its 10th year, is the flagship program of the local United Way chapter and is designed to level the playing field for students who come from low‑income households and may lack basic school‑supplies at home.

The Story Behind the Backpack

The “Stuff the Bus” concept began in 2015 when a handful of parents, teachers, and local business leaders recognized that many students in Muskegon County were arriving at school without pencils, notebooks, or even a sturdy lunch box. Instead of asking families to pay for supplies, LUW decided to do the work themselves, turning the school bus into a mobile classroom.

Each year, the campaign partners with Muskegon Public Schools (MPS) and the Muskegon County School District (MCSD) to identify which schools need the most help. The United Way’s staff and volunteers then assemble the supplies, with a mix of donated items and small purchases. According to the LUW website, the 2023‑24 drive served roughly 1,500 students across nine elementary and middle schools. The 2024‑25 version will aim to double that reach.

How It Works

1. Gathering Supplies – The campaign collects school essentials from both donations and small purchases: pencils, erasers, backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and a host of other classroom necessities. A small “needs list” is posted on the Lakeshore United Way website and on social‑media channels to let the public know exactly what is needed.

2. Assembly and Distribution – A group of volunteer “Stuff the Bus” coordinators – many of whom are former teachers, local retirees, and community‑service‑dedicated teens – then load the supplies into the drivers’ side of the school bus. Because the school district’s buses are fully equipped with a storage area, the backpacks can be hung on the rear rack and left in the bus parking lot on the first day of school.

3. Delivery – Once the school bus is parked outside each school, a driver (often a parent or student volunteer) checks in with the school’s lunchroom manager or custodian. The driver hands over a pre‑packed backpack, and a few minutes later, a teacher will distribute the contents to the students who need them most.

4. Follow‑up – The campaign also encourages students and families to let the United Way know how the supplies are being used. That feedback helps the organization refine the items they gather and gives them a measure of the program’s impact.

Community Partnerships and Fund‑raising

While the bulk of the supplies come from donations, the drive also relies on a small but robust fundraising effort. LUW runs a “Stuff the Bus” fundraising page on its website (lakeshoreunitedway.org). The page allows people to pledge a specific amount – for example, $10 can purchase a new set of pencils and a lunchbox, while $50 can buy a fully‑equipped backpack. The page also offers a corporate sponsorship section; local businesses like Muskegon Bank, Muskegon Food Co., and a handful of hardware stores have pledged both money and in‑kind items.

In addition, the program partners with the Muskegon County Department of Education to secure additional supply sources. For instance, the county’s “Community Schools” grant program provides a small budget that is allocated to help cover the cost of textbooks and other high‑price items. This partnership was highlighted in a note on the MPS website, which said that the “Stuff the Bus” program was “one of the most efficient ways we can provide essential supplies to students who need them most.”

Quotes from Local Leaders

During the launch event, Lakeshore United Way executive director Marion Smith highlighted the personal stories behind the drive. “Every year I hear from parents who are grateful that a bus in their neighborhood is stocked with the things their kids need,” Smith said. “It’s not just a bag of supplies; it’s a lifeline that can help a child succeed academically.”

Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Rios added, “When families receive those backpacks, they’re not only getting school materials. They’re seeing the school community’s commitment to their children’s future. That’s a powerful message.”

Impact Numbers and Future Goals

The 2024‑25 campaign aims to serve an estimated 3,000 students across the Muskegon area. Last year’s data (pulled from the LUW’s “Impact Report” linked in the article) showed a 15% increase in the number of students receiving supplies. The report also noted a 25% rise in community volunteer hours, signaling growing public engagement.

Going forward, LUW plans to expand the program to include a “Stuff the Bus” mobile library—a small collection of books and reading materials that will also be delivered with the backpacks. “Reading is the foundation of education,” said Smith. “We want to make sure every child not only has the tools to write but also the tools to read.”

How Readers Can Get Involved

The article included a handy “Get Involved” guide:

• Donate: Visit the LUW website’s fundraising page or drop off items at designated pickup locations (Muskegon Public Schools office, LUW headquarters, or local community centers).
• Volunteer: Sign up for a volunteer shift either by emailing the coordinator at luw@lakeshoreunitedway.org or by filling out the online volunteer form.
• Spread the Word: Share the campaign on social media, add a “Stuff the Bus” sticker to your car, or talk to a friend who may be interested in helping.

A Community Worthy of Support

By turning a routine school bus ride into a symbol of generosity, Lakeshore United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” program exemplifies the power of local collaboration. Each backpack is more than a bundle of pencils and paper; it’s a tangible affirmation that every student in Muskegon has the tools and the community support needed to thrive. As the city’s school year looms, the “Stuff the Bus” initiative stands ready to roll out its next wave of hope, one backpack at a time.