Stuff the Bus is Back at Concord

Representatives and participants helping ‘stuff the bus’ in 2015.
Photo courtesy of Concord University

    You see the emails and the posters, but you’re not sure what it is or what you can do to help. Pamela Wallace, Academic Program Associate, wants people to know what Stuff the Bus is, how it helps our community, and what you can do to make a difference. 

    “Stuff the Bus is an event I first organized four years ago, while still working at our Beckley Campus. We ask our students, faculty, staff, and members of our local communities to donate any type of basic school supply for kids in all grades,” Wallace explains. She goes on to say, “There are so many kids that start the school year out not having the basic items needed. Often times they don’t let the teacher know and may end up falling behind in class. This program is simply a way to help provide kids with these items so they don’t fall behind and they know that there is a community behind them that supports them and wants to see them succeed.” 

    Wallace makes sure to add that the members of the community play a significant role and that their contribution is really what brought this program about. “Often times we know that people need help, that we need to step up and do something, but we just don’t have the resources to do it on our own. By organizing a collection such as Stuff the Bus people can donate a little bit and have a great impact. It takes one idea, time, and determination, and our CU family to make things happen to help those around us. The greatest thing we can do is to serve those around us in our local communities,” says Wallace. 

    This valuable program has really shown what an impact it has made on our community and surrounding areas. “In the last 4 years we have been able to donate supplies to Raleigh County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Wyoming County, and Kanawha County, visit 2 Energy Express sites, and visit 2 classrooms,” Wallace states.

    When supplies are collected, they must be distributed. “Most of the supplies we collect are donated directly to the local Boards of Education. Each year we also travel with ROAR and visit one classroom to donate some of the supplies. Each Board of Education works closely with the guidance counselor’s in the schools to ensure the supplies they get are going to the kids that have the most need for it. Our Stuff the Bus program was also able to visit 2 different Energy Express sites and provide CU Backpacks with some basic school supplies,” Wallace adds. 

    “This year the Concord Social Work Organization, along with Dr. Pendergast, stepped up to help us. We also partnered with 59 News for our collection in Mercer County and 96.1 The Wolf, for our collection in Charleston. For past collections our volunteers have been from our Beckley Campus, and family members,” Wallace says. 

    Although she is grateful for all of the help she has received over the last four years, she could always use more. “I would love for more people to get involved. We need to hold fundraisers to replenish our account so that we can continue to help the kids in our community and visit the different classrooms. People can also come out to our collection events and help us by handing out flyers for donations. If anyone wants to help all the need to do is contact me and I will be glad to help in any way that I can. My office is A105. They can also e-mail pwallace@concord.edu or call my office at 384-5352,” she states.

    Whether you are a college student or a part of our faculty and staff, we all understand the importance of education. Unfortunately, these children may be in positions where they do not have the opportunities provided to help them become successful in their educational journeys. Stuff the Bus gives all of us a perfect opportunity to become involved and make a difference.