STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – When school officials last year set out to collect school supplies for children in Stafford County, residents and businesses donated $30,000 in supplies to the cause.
Those supplies, like pencils, notebook paper and marble composition books, went to help more than 350 families.
This year they hope to do better.
Members of Stafford’s school board and banking managers from Apple Federal Credit Union gathered in North Stafford on Monday to kick off this year’s Stuff the Bus school supplies drive.
As part of the drive, now through August 25 you can drop off new school supplies to the Apple FCU branch in the Doc Stone Shopping Center, at Chick-Fil-A at Doc Stone, Storage 2000 in Aquia and on Va. 610 in North Stafford, the Walmart at Stafford Lakes off U.S. 17 and the Stafford County Public Schools Administration Building near the county’s courthouse.
One item that elementary schools can use this year: white copy paper.
“A lot of jurisdictions across the country have faced financial difficulties and we’re no different. Copy paper is an important thing to have as teachers use it for worksheet assignments they pass out,” said Stafford County School Board Chairman Diana Rienboldt – Griffis-Widewater.
School officials reminded those who will donate this year that many stores, including the ones the Stuff the Bus drive has partnered with, already have school supplies stocked.
“You can go out and get the supplies now before the rush begins, pick up a few extra things, and then drop them off at one of the drop points,” said Stafford County School Board member Stephanie J. Johnson – Aquia.
Founded in Fairfax County by teachers for teachers, and subsequently the larger educational community, Apple FCU spokesman Robert J. Sowell, Sr. said it is important to give back to the neighborhoods they serve.
“We have to really thank the social services employees who help us identify the children who are most in need, allowing us to get the supplies to them,” said Sowell.
Apple FCU opened its Stafford County branch four years ago.
They also have two locations in Prince William and 15 in Fairfax, all of which will serve as school supply drop off points.
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