Stuff the Bus: Helping Students Start Strong
United is the Way.
Every child deserves to start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Stuff the Bus helps provide school supplies and essential items to students, families, seniors, and community organizations across Central Kansas.
Nearly half of households in Barton and Pawnee Counties are living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold or in poverty. Many families are working hard but still struggle to afford the basics. School supplies, paper products, and other everyday necessities can create additional financial stress as the school year approaches.
Through Stuff the Bus, community members can help ensure local students have the tools they need to succeed while also supporting other community needs identified in each community.
All donations stay local and benefit area schools and community partners.
Community Collection Events
Great Bend
July 25 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Walmart
- Both Dillons locations
We need volunteers for this event. Sign up here.
Hoisington
July 29 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Town & Country Supermarket
- Dollar General
Also collecting food items for the Hoisington Food Bank.
Ellinwood
August 5 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Ellinwood Family Foods
- Dollar General
Drop off supplies in advance at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic or Sunflower Bank.
Also collecting paper products for the Ellinwood Heritage Senior Center.
Larned
August 13 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Dillons
- Dollar General
Drop off supplies in advance at either shopping location or at the Pawnee County Health Department.
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Can't Attend an Event?
Donations may be dropped off in advance at:
Great Bend
- United Way of Central Kansas
- 2000 Washington Street, Great Bend
Hoisington
- First Kansas Bank
- Landmark Bank
- Wilson State Bank
Ellinwood
- Sunflower Bank
- Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic
Larned
- Dillons
- Dollar General
- Pawnee County Health Department
How You Can Help
- Donate school supplies at local collection events or drop-off sites
- Volunteer during a Stuff the Bus event
- Make a monetary donation to help purchase needed items throughout the school year
Every supply donated helps.
Every dollar makes an impact.
Every student deserves a strong start.
Support Stuff the Bus today and help local students begin the school year ready to learn, grow, and succeed.
United is the Way.