JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With families struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic, The Salvation Army and Walmart are joining forces to provide school supplies to those in need.
Starting on Friday, they’re launching a “Stuff the Bus” campaign in Jacksonville along with thousands of other locations throughout the country to help address those needs, which are greater than ever before because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m confident in saying this will be the most important Stuff the Bus we will ever have,” Northeast Florida Area Commander for The Salvation Army Major Bigger said.
Through Sunday, shoppers can buy school supplies while shopping at Walmart and then drop them off in Salvation Army collection bins posted at the front of each store.
Stores across the country are participating, as well as 13 Walmarts in Jacksonville. All donations made at the Jacksonville “Stuff the Bus” will stay in the Northeast Florida Salvation Army’s s 6 county coverage area, with supplies going to local kids and families in need.
“There are many children in Duval County whose parents will have to make the tough choice between school supplies, groceries, the electric bill or insurance.” he said. “We don’t want them to have to make that choice.”
Even one small donation will make a big difference. Biggers believes a backpack, notebook, pencil or binder are more than just tools for a student. They help create the confidence and preparedness kids need to succeed in school.
“With the stress that is already upon families and these kids as well, this will be hopefully a stress reliever for those families and those children that they will have the supplies that they need,” Bigger said.
Want to help but can’t make it to the store? Walmart has posted a registry online so you can make a donation without leaving the house. Monetary donations can also be made to The Salvation Army.