Stuff the Bus

Stuff the Bus is a school readiness program that provides backpacks, school supplies and other items to prepare low-income students for the first day of school and to ensure their success throughout the school year.

Stuff the Bus

Started in 2006, the initiative is run by volunteer Wanda Parent and others  who collect donated supplies through a school bus parked in various locations (e.g., WalMart). In 2013, the program provided school supplies to 1400 local school children and homeless teens.

With economic difficulties increasing, and many families’ resources dwindling (Today, 1 in 3 children in Sanford and Springvale qualify for financial assistance), these donations help children get the right start to the school year and ensure they are ready to learn.

IMG_3863Wanda Parent, volunteer director of Stuff the Bus, presents SIS President Mark Mickeriz with the 2015 Stuff the Bus Award. SIS bank has been an outstanding supporter of the program that insures that students and teachers have what they need to have a successful school year.

 

How You Can Help

school_supplies1Donate School Supplies

Backpacks, school supplies, and gently-used musical instruments can be donated during scheduled collection drives.  For a suggested list of needed supplies click here.

Sponsor a Child

  • $10: Sponsor a Child for 1/2 School Year
  • $20: Sponsor a Child for Full School Year

Sponsor a Teacher

  • $20: Sponsor a Teacher (donation used to provide teachers in the Sanford school system with classroom supplies such as tissues, pens, pencils, glue sticks etc.)
  • Teacher testimonials:
    •  I have never participated in the “Stuff the Bus” event before, but given recent budget cuts I am grateful for the opportunity.  I am a Special Education teacher at MCS, and I have multiple grade levels in my self-contained classroom. However most of my students are in the first grade, with a few second and thirds. I really appreciate the opportunity to participate in this event and thank you and everyone involved for your efforts in organizing this for us. With gratitude.

    • Thank you for all that you’re doing for the children and teachers in our community!  Your help makes a huge difference!  My students and I made excellent use of the school supplies last year, so much so that I have been looking forward to coming again this year, if I may. I’m a 2nd grade teacher from Lafayette.  With sincere gratitude.

 Mail checks payable to “Strategies for a Stronger Sanford” to  P.O. Box 958, Sanford ME 04073. Please be sure to write “Stuff the Bus” in the memo or subject line of the check.

Volunteer

If you would like to volunteer for Stuff the Bus please email Wanda Parent or call 207-604-4543.