The Salvation Army teams up with Walmart to “Stuff the Bus”

The Salvation Army teams up with Walmart to “Stuff the Bus”

Walmart and The Salvation Army are joining forces to provide new school supplies to local children of Michigan City Area Schools during the “Stuff the Bus” campaign event at Walmart, 5780 Franklin Street, on Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As part of a nationwide effort, the “Stuff the Bus” campaign event in Michigan City is one of nearly 3,000 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country. In-store shoppers on August 3 will receive lists of supplies needed, and all they have to do to participate is purchase and drop off the requested items at collection bins at the front of each store.

“There are thousands of kids heading back to school this year and many of them will need assistance to start the year off right,” said Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army of Michigan City. “By donating school supplies for a child in need, you’re easing the burden parents experience at the start of the school year, and helping set the right tone for these kids as they head back to school. It’s the boost of confidence they need to have a successful year.”

For those unable to make it to the store that day, there is a searchable online registry with some of the items needed; each item requires just one click to purchase at www.walmart.com, just search for The Salvation Army of MC registry.

All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” campaign events will remain in the community and will help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need, said Simmons, adding, “The Salvation Army of Michigan City is dedicated to supporting Michigan City Area Schools to ensure that children in our community have the best possible chance to succeed – and education is a huge part of future success.”

Betsy Kohn, director of communications for Michigan City Area Schools, said the materials collected during this event will be distributed at the upcoming Citywide Back to School Rally, which is coordinated by the Indiana Black Expo in conjunction with several other organizations, and to MCAS schools.

The Citywide Back to School Rally will be held at Elston Gill Field on August 8 from 3pm to 7pm and is open to Michigan City students accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“We are grateful to Walmart and The Salvation Army for this supply drive,” Kohn said.  “Many families in our community, especially those with several children, struggle to afford basic supplies to start the school year. This will go a long way to help ensure all students start the year off on a positive note.”

Simmons also added that The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to help with the “Stuff the Bus” campaign event. Volunteers will be stationed at Walmart in two-hour shifts to help in school supply collection. Those interested in signing up to volunteer may contact The Salvation Army at (219) 874-6885.

Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years in an effort to meet local community needs. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services, helping them overcome poverty and economic hardships.

To learn more about your local Salvation Army, visit www.samichigancity.org.