‘Stuff the Bus’ School Supply Donation Drive Held Saturday

LARAMIE -- This Saturday, August 3rd will be a special one at the Laramie Walmart East Grand Avenue. Laramie Salvation Army, Albany County School District #1, and Interfaith Good Samaritan are partnering up to "Stuff the Bus," for back to school supplies for Albany County Students.

Marian Paxton is on the committee for the Stuff the Bus campaign and is a steady volunteer for the Salvation Army and Interfaith Good Samaritan.

“We’re going to stuff the bus with school supplies for those who don’t have the money to get those supplies. This is a new program. At Walmart, there will be a box for the donated supplies. After you have gotten your own children taken care of, if you have any extra money, you can buy some supplies for other children who don’t have the money to get them,” Paxton said.

The most needed supplies for the school supply drive are Colored Pencils, Three-ring Binders, Spiral Notebooks, Pocket Folders, #2 Pencils, Rulers, Safety Scissors, Flash Cards, and Pencil Sharpeners.

“The new thing is the zippered 3-ring binders for the middle school. They are usually clear, so you can see what’s inside.

“These are basic supplies. Like flashcards are basically for elementary school. But pocket folders, rulers, pencils – those are standard for just about everyone.”

Paxton said the school supply campaign is directed toward any child in need in the Albany County School District #1 regardless of which school.

“Some schools have more need, but the supplies will go to wherever the need is. Both organizations – the Salvation Army and Interfaith Good Samaritan – are basically volunteer-based, so we do what we can.”

"I think it is wonderful that the Laramie Community is coming together to help out the students in the community," Laramie Salvation Army Volunteer, Sasha Schlump says. "Hopefully, more students can have a great start to the new school year."

The Salvation Army is located in the soup kitchen area the lower level of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral, 104 S. 4th Street, on Ivinson Street between 3rd and 4^th Sts. in Laramie.

“We’re only open on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. But you can call us for help at 307-399-8750. And we’re on Facebook, and the web site is Laramie.Salvation.Army.wordpress.com for more information.”

Monetary donations may be brought to Walmart on Saturday, to the soup kitchen on Fridays, or mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1064, Laramie, WY 82072.

“I don’t think most people realize how many kids are in need in this community. It’s surprising to know. I just believe in helping them,” said Paxton.

For a complete list of back to school supplies needed, see the article at LaramieLive.com