For the past 19 years, children and families have crowded into the Lions Club Park in Waynesburg, eager to grab new school supplies from the loaded bus parked nearby. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade jump on the bus and pick out a new backpack, loaded with new school supplies for the upcoming school year.
The 19th annual Stuff the Bus event was held at the JC Pavilion in the Lions Club Park this year on Wednesday, August 11 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Several different agencies attended to provide information about local programs, including applications for the Free or Reduced School Lunch Program. There were also activities and more fun things to do.
“I’m excited to announce GCUW’s 19th Annual Stuff the Bus was bigger than ever before,” says MaChal Forbes, Greene County United Way’s executive director. “This year, through the generosity of our amazing community, we were able to give each child a backpack filled with school supplies, a new pair of athletic shoes, a lunch bag and water bottle as well as offer free hair cuts, dental exams, and kid’s activities. We were also able to provide families access to financial goal setting, lunch, and ice cream. We are so grateful for the support from our sponsors, donors, and volunteers whose involvement made this year a success!”
Donations to the program were made by contributors dropping off school supplies at the drop-off sites around the county. The supplies were picked up from the donation locations and were brought to the United Way’s office. Assembly lines loaded with volunteers, consisting of students, board members, and others, were began stuffing the backpacks by age group. Once the backpacks were full, they were loaded onto the bus and off to the event.
Afterwards, backpacks of supplies were also delivered to the area headstart programs. First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County, a yearly sponsor, also helps deliver the backpacks.
Other sponsors this year included EQT & Operation Warm, the Heart ‘n Sole Program, Community Foundation of Greene County, Women of Southwestern PA, Inc., Lola Energy, Fox Buses, Greene County CASA, Cornerstone Care, Milinovich & Co., Blueprints, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Carmichaels Senior Center, Flenniken Library, Dawn Mankey, Josh Coss, Jada Barcheisi, Cindy Wilson, and PA211SW; many others donated supplies.
FMI, contact Greene County United Way at 724-852-1009.
Flenniken Library Celebrates Harry Potter’s Birthday!
Flenniken Library held a celebration of Harry Potter’s birthday on Friday, July 30. Children of all ages came to enjoy an afternoon of activities, games, snacks, and contests, including a scavenger hunt and a game of quidditch. After the activities, birthday cake and butter beer were enjoyed by all!
