‘Stuff The Bus’ helps kids get the supplies they need to go back to school

Dozens of children across Collier county will be starting school again soon. This means they are in need of supplies to start the school year off right.

“We’re collecting school supplies for the kids not just at the boys and girls club, but also for out in the community who need us most and we’re stuffing the bus,” said Amanda Curbelo, Resource Development Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Collier.

There may be some new items on the list, but the Boys and girls Club of Collier wants students to have every single thing they need to be successful.

“Backpacks, hand sanitizer, pencils, pens really anything that you can think of that a kid would need for their backpack. The school list are so specific and so we’re just trying to help as much as we can,” Curbelo said.

One mother of three came out on Saturday to donate supplies to other families in need. “With everything that’s going on in the last six to eight months it’s just been crazy and my heart just really goes out to those people that are struggling,” said Jennifer Martin.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the need for this year’s ‘Stuff The Bus’ is much greater.

“COVID has been hard on all of us, but it’s been really hard on these families who already don’t have enough to give their kids, so we really want to support them right now,” said Emma Osborne, Co-chair for the Front Circle at Boys and Girls Club of Collier.

So they’re here to support those students at a difficult time.

“If you have it in your heart just do it, it feels great,” Martin said.

“It is the best feeling, honestly it is a tough time for everyone and feeling like you’re doing something good and making a difference for people is the best feeling,” Osborne added.

If you’d still like to donate you can visit the Boys and Girls Club of Collier’s Amazon wishlist. All of the items will be delivered to them directly.