United Way "Stuff the Bus" Campaign

Many children look forward to arriving on the first day of school with new notebooks, backpacks and pencil boxes, but it's a different story for children whose families can't afford these items. Not only do the donated supplies help children with their studies, having a new backpack or notebook can really help raise a child's self-esteem. Feeling good about themselves and having the tools they need to complete their schoolwork really helps children get off on the right foot as they start a new school year.

That's where you can help. United Way of Otter Tail County, The Salvation Army, Otter Tail Wadena Community Action Council and Kinship of the Perham Area along with help from local bus companies are going to stuff school buses full of school supplies for youth residing in Otter Tail County.

On Tuesday, August 2nd, the Stuff the Bus committee members and volunteers will be headquartered at the following locations.

• Fergus Falls - Triangle Park - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Underwood - School Parking Lot - 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Battle Lake - Standard Gas Station - 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Perham - Perham High School - 10: am - 6:00 pm
• Pelican Rapids - Martin Field - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
• New York Mills - Community Action Council Parking Lot - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

The goal? To stuff the Bus with as many school supplies as we can to help families in Otter Tail County! In 2010, 740 children were served county wide by this program.

Please help us make the Stuff the Bus campaign a big success by donating school supplies or making a monetary donation to children who are in need. Let's help get Otter Tail County children off to a great start. In addition to the Stuff the Bus program, committee members are accepting gently used coats, hats, mittens, scarves and boots for the upcoming Coats for Kids program.

Applications for the program are available on line at www.uwotc.com or you may pick up an application from United Way of Otter Tail County, Salvation Army, Otter Tail Wadena Community Action Council, Kinship of the Perham Area, Public Health or at the Otter Tail County Human Services office. Please contact United Way at 218.736.5147 or email stuffthebus@live.com with questions.