The Pike County Salvation Army in Troy invites the community to help them “Stuff the Bus” with school supplies for local children who need assistance with the purchase of school supplies for the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

The Salvation Army’s ‘Stuff the Bus” opportunity will be on Saturday, August 3 at Walmart in Troy.

Kim May, director of the local Salvation Army Service Center and Thrift Store, said the Salvation Army is always alert to ways to assist neighbors.

“There are families that are unable to purchase the school supplies that are needed to get their children off to a good start at the beginning of the school year,” May said. “That is especially true for some families that have several school-age children or those that are facing temporary financial problems because of the loss of jobs, illnesses, emergency situations or just the rising cost of living. The ‘Stuff the Bus’ program is a way to help make sure every child starts to school with the basic supplies they need.”

May said schools make school supply lists available to their students and lists are sometimes made public.

“Those who would like to help the Salvation Army ‘Stuff the Bus’ are encouraged to check the lists if possible,” she said. “If not, paper, No. 2 pencils, crayons and markers are always good choices along with tissue and hand sanitizers. Backpacks and lunch boxes are often-needed items.”
May said the Salvation Army also has a need.

“‘Stuff the Bus’ will be from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 at Walmart,” she said. “We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to make sure that every child has what he or she needs to start school. However, our Salvation Army staff is limited and 10 hours is a long time on a hot, August day. So, we would greatly appreciate any volunteers that would relieve us for a short time throughout the day by assisting with drop-offs and other duties associated with the back-to-school event.”

Those who would like to volunteer with the Salvation Army’s “Stuff the Bus” are encouraged to call the Salvation Army Service Center at 334-808-1069.

The school supplies will be made available to local schools that respond with needs.