Community Partners to “Stuff the Bus”
United Way of Aroostook is collaborating with Aroostook County Action Program, Adopt-A-Block Aroostook, Walmart Houlton, Walmart Presque Isle, and Townsquare Media to help Aroostook County children be well prepared to begin the new school year by providing eligible families with a backpack and school supplies. Working together, along with the generous support of businesses and many individual donors, the group is collecting new backpacks and school supplies at various locations throughout the County. A drop off box can be found at the Houlton Walmart location. Backpacks and supplies can also be dropped off at United Way of Aroostook’s office located inside the Aroostook Centre mall.
Townsquare Media, with the help of Walmart, will be broadcasting live on location at Walmart in Houlton on Thursday, August 6th from 3pm-6pm and again on Friday, August 7th at Walmart Presque Isle during the same time frame. There will be an opportunity for community members to help “Stuff the Bus.” Donors are encouraged to purchase backpacks, notebooks, pencils/pens, crayons/markers, erasers, scissors, and other school supplies to help the efforts.
This collaboration has been able to provide over 700 backpacks to deserving children each year throughout Aroostook County. Sarah Ennis, United Way of Aroostook Executive Director said, “The beginning of a school year is always an incredible financial hurdle for many families. In light of the additional set-back from COVID-19, the need to support our families and ensure our students have the tools they need is even greater. With your contribution, students with the greatest need will be identified and will receive your support.”
Filled backpacks will be distributed by Adopt-A-Block Aroostook and ACAP. For more information about this program or to see if your child qualifies for this program, contact ACAP at 764-3721.