DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — A yearly First Coast News back-to-school initiative came to an historic close today as the Stuff the Bus event reached its pinnacle of three school buses stuffed with school supplies for two counties.
The collection drive at Staples in Orange Park Friday stuffed two buses full of all the necessities kids need to start the year off right.
"We are thrilled with how our community has come together to support our students and teachers," said Clay County Education Foundation President and CEO Carolyn Krall. "We didn't know what to expect with this being the first year the event has been held in Clay, but it's been more successful than we could have imagined."
The first week of collections for Duval County Public Schools was held at The Markets at Town Center July 12. The community heard the call and filled one school bus to the roof from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The collection drive was fueled by longtime non-profit partners of United Way of Northeast Florida Full Service Schools.
"The generosity of our Northeast Florida community has been amazing again this year," said United Way of Northeast Florida Full Service Schools Director Keto Porter. "The Stuff the Bus initiative has allowed United Way of Northeast Florida and our partners to impact the lives of teachers and students both in Duval and Clay Counties. We are so grateful for the support of so many people and we look forward to a great 2024-25 school year."
Stuff the Bus fills three buses with school supplies in Duval and Clay counties
Porter said more than 17,000 school supplies were collected and more than $1,600 dollars raised. He said because the generosity of this community is so strong they are extending online and cell donations until August 3. You can make a donation to Duval or Clay by visiting unitedwaynefl.org/stuffthebus or text CLASSROOMS24 to 30306.
The partnerships of Community First Credit Union, J&W Heating and Air, Campers Inn RV, Whataburger, iHeartMedia helped create the synergy to make this month-long drive possible. Businesses across the two counties challenged one another in an effort to collect more supplies than the next by bringing all their donations to each county event to stuff the bus. New business challenge sponsor Whataburger provided not only on-site activations but food for all volunteers and anyone donating.
"For more than 73 years Whataburger has believed not only in bold flavors, but also in engaging communities, especially supporting education initiatives," said Whataburger Regional Marketing Manager Juan Valenzuela. "We know we can make the most impact when we partner with local organizations within these communities that share our commitment to helping students succeed and that's what First Coast News' Stuff the Bus even is all about."
First Coast News President and General Manager Tim Thomas said his team started talking about bringing on another community in January. He said he knew his station leaders wanted to make a big impact on the First Coast this year with this event.
“The fact that we were able to help fill two buses in a new community speaks volumes," Thomas said. "We are elated and we hope that more communities will want to take part and help us grow even more to help more students in 2025-26.”