United Way’s 15th Annual Stuff the Bus Collects Record 65,000 School Supplies

United Way of South Central Tennessee wrapped up its 15th annual Stuff the Bus campaign, bringing the community together to help local students start the school year prepared for success.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, schools, volunteers, and community partners, this year's campaign collected 65,000 school supplies and distributed 3,500 fully stocked backpacks to students across Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren counties.

Since launching in 2012, Stuff the Bus has partnered with 10 school districts to provide essential school supplies directly to local schools, helping reduce barriers to learning before the first day of class.

“With just the cost of everything going up, just taking the burden of crayons and markers and things off of a family's plate for this time of year in the summer is really a game changer for many folks,” said volunteer Mark Murphy.

Redstone Federal Credit Union proudly sponsored Stuff the Bus for the eighth consecutive year.

“We love rolling up our sleeves and working alongside our local United Way and other community-minded organizations to help make this event a success every year,” said Mike Panesi, Vice President and Tennessee Market Executive for Redstone Federal Credit Union. “This effort provides a vital resource for students in our community, helping them walk into the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.”

United Way thanks this year's Stuff the Bus sponsors for making the campaign possible. Presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, additional support was provided by Ascension Saint Thomas, Ingram Content Group, Middle Tennessee Electric, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Publix Super Markets Charities, Regions, Volunteer Limestone, F&M Bank Cares, First National Bank of Middle Tennessee, Jack Daniel's, Old National Bank, State Farm – Andy Womack, Wilson Bank & Trust, Altar'd State, Middle Tennessee Electric SharingChange Foundation, Topre America Corporation, SmartBank, and Rachel and Billy Bruce.

Learn more about United Way of South Central Tennessee at www.yourlocaluw.org.