News : Stuff the Bus: Residents asked to help area students with school supplies

Last year more than 200 children needed community assistance with supplies ranging from pencils to facial tissue. This year the Vinton Shellsburg Community School District is partnering with Clickstop Cares, Monkeytown’s Care Now program, and the Vinton Area Ministerial Association to make sure all children have the necessary supplies when they start school.

There are three ways you can help.

Use any one of several drop off locations in area businesses to deposit school supplies you’ve purchased for donation. Drop off boxes are conveniently located at Tootsies, Dollar General, Virginia Gay Hospital (cafeteria), Vinton Unlimited (City Hall), Vinton Public Library, Farmer’s Savings Bank, Fareway, and Windsor Manor.

The first pick up from these locations will be July 24, but the boxes will continue to be in these businesses and donations will continue to be collected until school begins.

'Stuff the Bus'

“Stuff The Bus” is a back-to-school special supply event which will happen on July 18. The event will be held in front of Michael & Dowd, 102 East 4th Street, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM during the Vinton Cruise. Bring supplies to the bus and enter the drawing to win $25 in Vinton Value Dollars, or 2”x 8’ ratchet and axle straps donated by Clickstop.

Monetary donations can be sent to:

Central Office

Vinton Shellsburg Community School District

1052 C. Avenue

Vinton, IA 52349

To see a complete list of supplies needed, click here.

Monkeytown will provide supplies at reduced prices from monetary donations. All supplies will be sorted at and made available at Clickstop Cares so eligible students will be able to “shop” for the supplies they need. There will specific shopping times and transportation will be provided to the Clickstop Cares location in Urbana.

According to Vinton-Shellsburg elementary Principal Jim Murray, “We have so many families in need of financial assistance. I can’t describe the relief on the faces of parents when I can tell them that their kids will be taken care of through the donations we receive from our many supportive organizations and community members.”