United Way of the Florida Keys to “Stuff the Bus” this Summer

Ann Sandlin and Nikki Dunn Cullen with Principal Lisa Taylor delivering school supplies to Plantation Key School.
Ann Sandlin and Nikki Dunn Cullen with Principal Lisa Taylor delivering school supplies to Plantation Key School.

This summer, United Way of the Florida Keys will collect school supplies to distribute to over 8,000 Keys students.

Florida Keys children need school supplies such as pencils, binders, notebooks, and backpacks as part of their studies. But some local families can’t afford these basic supplies. That’s why United Way of the Florida Keys and community partners are supporting the annual “Stuff the Bus” event, an effort that last year produced 16 pallets of school supplies for distribution to Monroe County schools throughout the Keys.

Local companies can become sponsors of “Stuff the Bus” by pledging a minimum amount of $250 worth of school supplies through a supply drive with their employees or customers, or by making a contribution of $250 or more, or a combination of both. Supplies will be collected through the first week of September.

Trich Worthington, Senior Vice President of Iberiabank, says, “At Iberiabank we are committed to the communities we serve. What better way to do that than by joining with United Way to collect much needed supplies for the kids in our schools? We have partnered with UWFK since the beginning and find it very rewarding to make a positive impact on the kids, teachers and schools.”

Rebecca Horan, Chelsea Wait, Chuck Fortier, Cheryl Sargent, Mary Chase, and Denise Pruess with Principal Elisa Jannes delivering school supplies to Sigsbee Charter School.
Rebecca Horan, Chelsea Wait, Chuck Fortier, Cheryl Sargent, Mary Chase, and Denise Pruess
with Principal Elisa Jannes delivering school supplies to Sigsbee Charter School.

Individuals can participate in “Stuff the Bus” by taking school supplies to a sponsor’s business, making a donation online at gofundme.com/StufftheBus2016, shopping at Publix and buying “Tools for Schools” gift cards at the checkout counter, or by bringing donated supplies to various community gatherings throughout the month of August, including the August 3rd Key West Business Guild meeting, the August Girls Night Out event in Key West, the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce event on August 25th, and the annual kickoff party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Key West, among many other opportunities.

Every dollar donated to the Stuff the Bus school supply drive will be used directly to purchase additional bulk supplies for children in Keys schools.

For information on “Stuff the Bus,” call the UWFK office at 305-735-1929, or email [email protected].

Thank you letter from Sophia at Key Largo School.
Thank you letter from Sophia at Key Largo School.

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About United Way of the Florida Keys:
United Way of the Florida Keys is an independent, local 501(c)(3) organization that has been supporting the Keys community for more than 30 years. UWFK supports strong working families and funds nonprofits that provide critical services to Keys residents. Money raised in the Keys stays in the Keys.

United Way also plays a unique role in convening businesses, nonprofits and government to work together to address community needs. For more information, visit our website: www.keysunitedway.org or call (305) 735-1929.  Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.

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