Washtenaw Community Unites to Stuff the Bus for Local Students

It’s officially back-to-school season! To ensure students start the year off strong, Washtenaw County employees are hosting their 17th annual Stuff the Bus event.

The event is part of the team’s United Way giving campaign and will offer the community an opportunity to fill two school buses located in the Target parking lots on Carpenter Rd in Pittsfield Township and Ann Arbor Saline Rd in Ann Arbor.

From Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9, the entire community is invited to drop off newly purchased school supplies for students in need.

“It’s awesome that the whole Washtenaw community comes together for this,” said Kari Dorr, Stuff the Bus co-founder and business manager at Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. “People stop by the bus and say, ‘I look forward to this event every year,’ as they are dropping off their donation.

“Little kids love to get on the bus, sit in the driver’s seat and see all the new supplies we’ve collected.”

Washtenaw County residents will “Stuff the Bus” with everything from backpacks to crayons to glue sticks. Brand-new school supplies ensure students feel confident and invested in. Donation items include all types of pencils, sharpeners, pens, crayons, erasers, highlighters, backpacks, three-ring binders, tri-fold display boards, composition books, folders, index cards, calculators, protractors and rulers.

“We do not accept used items because we feel strongly that every kid should be able to have the excitement of a shiny new backpack or new box of crayons,” said Kari. “It feels good knowing that kids can pick out what they need and it’s all new, fresh and sparkly.”

In Washtenaw, 39.6% of households are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. ALICE represents households who earn an income, but still can’t afford to pay for all their basic needs. For ALICE families, it can feel impossible to check all the boxes on a school supply list.

All the school supplies collected will be distributed to nearly 3000 students in the Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Whitmore Lake and Lincoln school districts.

“The schools are always very thankful to receive the donations,” said Kari. “The supplies are 100% making an impact with students that need to start off the school year with more than what they currently have.”

Kari has been involved with Stuff the Bus since its inception in the county 17 years ago. Over the years, Stuff the Bus became a family affair and an opportunity for her children to think about others at the start of the school year.

“My kids have been a part of Stuff the Bus since they were three and five, and now they’re 18 and 20,” said Kari. “My son normally volunteers and he’s been a huge help. My daughter and her friend helped out last year, too.

“My hope is one day when I’m no longer doing this, maybe one of my kids will carry it on because they believe in it.”

Inspired to help kids get Back-To-School ready? From August 5 through August 9, 2024, take new school supplies to the Target parking lots on Carpenter Rd and Ann Arbor Saline Rd. Washtenaw County employees will be ready to take donations from 8:30 am – 3 pm.