Another successful year for ‘Stuff the Bus’

Another successful year for ‘Stuff the Bus’

Sunday, August 5, 2018

The annual “Stuff the School Bus” drive was a great success this season as United Way of Bedford County teamed with Bedford County Board of Education to collect school supplies.

Supplies were loaded from the bus to be taken to United Way of Bedford County’s office for sorting. Supplies will be distributed to schools in the county.

Yellow boxes were furnished around town during the month of July. The official date for “Stuff the School Bus” was July 28 at the Walmart in Shelbyville.”

“We want to thank the many people who made purchases of school supplies as well as those who made financial contributions,” Mark McGee, United Way of Bedford County executive director, said. “The weather was perfect and so many responded to the needs of local school children who might not otherwise have the proper supplies for school this year.

Walmart was once again a great host. And we also want to thank Kenny Parker for delivering the bus to the event.”

Members of the Cascade Interact Club, including Tori Hull and Savanah Emery, helped with the collection of supplies. Also active in helping during the event were UW board chairman Joseph Forsee, his wife, Carye, and their daughter, Elizabeth. Board member Vickie Hull also helped with the collection of items along with Connie Boutwell and Marilyn Morgan from the Bedford County Board of Education.

Glen Forsee picked up supplies, Linda Forsee assisted with the project, and Margaret and Mitchell McGee helped to deliver boxes.

Community Middle School, Jostens, Musgrave Pencil Company, Newell Brands and Shepenco provided cartons of various supplies.

Tyson Foods presented a check for $758.95 as well as collecting supplies from employees at the production facility.

Several generous cash contributions were made by individuals as well with Tennova Healthcare collecting both supplies and money.

Boxes were available at the Bedford County Republican Party, H.B. Cowan Insurance, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, FirstBank, First Community Bank, Heritage South Community Credit Union, Peoples Bank of Middle Tennessee, Pinnacle Financial, Regions Bank, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette and Traders Bank.

“The response was overwhelming,” McGee said. “The need to help thousands of students is great.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for all they did for us. We are hopeful for an even bigger response next year.