St. Joseph community rallies for Stuff the Bus

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- This weekend, United Way of Greater St. Joseph "stuffed the bus" full of school supplies for children in need.

Renita Neville, Campaign Manager with United Way, reported that community turnout had been excellent, with donations pouring in across the board.

Popular items included crayons, markers, paper products, and even a surprising number of calculators, a category that she said typically runs thin.

"Backpacks have been great, but we always need more of those," Neville said. "That's the thing we are usually having to try to supplement afterwards."

In addition to backpacks, Neville identified tissues and hand sanitizer as items that frequently run out before the drive ends.

For those unable to shop, cash donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase whatever supplies are still missing.

"We're happy to take cash donations, and then we use that to help supplement the things we're short on," she added. "Some people just honestly aren't up for the shop, and that's fine, we'll take care of it."

Additional donations can be dropped off at United Way's location during normal business hours.