'Stuff the Bus' event helps, more supplies needed

PRESS RELEASE DATE: Aug. 5, 2009

Martin Volunteers collected 2,058 items during its “Stuff the Bus” event Aug. 1 at THE Super Wal-Mart on U.S.1 in Stuart.

Volunteers from the Kohl’s A-Team helped by distributing fliers in the parking lot and collecting donations, while Coast 101.3 lit up the air waves during a live onsite broadcast calling on the community to get involved.

“Saturday’s event was a success, but our job isn’t done yet,” Project Coordinator Anne Lalley said. “Our schoolhouses at the Martin County libraries and at Cove Road Publix are empty and this year’s need for school supplies up 8 percent from last year’s.”

Martin Volunteers, a United Way of Martin County program, is still collecting school supplies through Aug. 14 and urges the community to help.

Last year, the drive collected and distributed 39,092 items for 6,304 students in preschool through 12th grade who qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program.

Items needed include pens, pencils, pencil cases, glue sticks, binders, two-pocket folders, crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors, rulers, erasers, notebook paper, subject notebooks and composition books.

“Funds for this project are severely limited, and a little goes a long way,” Project Coordinator Anne Lalley said. “For as little as $20, you can supply a child with the essential items to begin the school year.”

Drop off donations at the little red schoolhouses, which are located inside five Martin County library branches (Blake, Cummings, Hoke, Hobe Sound and Morgade), and the Publix at Cove Road and U.S. 1. Other collection points are listed at www.martinvolunteers.org/schoolsupplies.

Payments can be made online or via mail by visiting www.martinvolunteers.org/schoolsupplies. Checks should be made payable to Martin Volunteers/School Supplies and mail to Martin Volunteers, PO Box 362, Stuart, FL  34995.

Call (772) 220-4472, ext. 232 or e-mail alalley@martinvolunteers.org for more information or to volunteer.

Information about the School Supplies Drive and all Martin Volunteers projects is available at www.martinvolunteers.org.