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United Way of Southwest Minnesota Invites Community to “Stuff the Bus” for Local Students
The United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) is once again gearing up for its annual Stuff the Bus initiative—an effort that ensures K–12 students in our service area start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
Each summer, UWSWMN collects thousands of new school supplies and distributes them to schools across the region. In 2025, the initiative provided 48,000 school supplies to 23 local schools, helping students access the tools they need to succeed.
“Stuff the Bus is one of our largest program initiatives, and it truly shows our community at its best — especially when people come together to support local kids. It unites businesses, volunteers, and donors with a simple goal of providing essential school supplies to kids in their neighborhood,” said Tanya Moat, Interim CEO of UWSWMN. “Businesses across our service area collect supplies, and volunteers count, sort, and organize thousands of items. It’s an incredible team effort.”
Most Needed Items in 2026
This year’s most requested supplies include college‑ruled notebooks, folders, cap erasers, glue sticks, highlighters, and pink erasers.
Public Drop-Off Locations (through July 26, 2026)
UWSWMN partners with businesses and organizations across our service area to host public drop‑off sites. Collection bins are available in nearly every community with a local school, making it easy for donors to give wherever they live or work. For a complete list of 2026 drop‑off locations, please visit: www.unitedwayswmn.org/STB
Volunteer Opportunities
Community members are invited to help sort, pack, and distribute supplies on July 31, August 4, and August 5. To reserve your volunteer shift and view full details, visit: www.unitedwayswmn.org/STB
Distribution Information
All participating schools within the UWSWMN service area will receive their school supplies on August 5, 2026, with each school managing its own distribution process. Please contact your school district for more information.
“Stuff the Bus provides vital support to our region,” Moat said. “It eases the financial burden on parents with limited resources and helps more than 4,000 local students — kids and families who live right here — start the school year with fresh new school supplies, just like everyone else. For kids to experience their community investing in their academic success and well‑being firsthand, it creates a powerful impact they won’t forget.”
Want to Help but Can’t Shop?
Financial donations are welcome year‑round and allow UWSWMN to purchase supplies in bulk at a lower cost.
- Mail checks to: United Way of SWMN, P.O. Box 41, Marshall, MN 56258 (note “Stuff the Bus” on the memo line)
- Donate online: www.unitedwayswmn.org/STB
Together, we can help every student have the tools they need to succeed and thrive on the first day of school.
For more information about the work of your local United Way, please visit UnitedWaySWMN.org
United Way of Southwest Minnesota is an autonomous, local organization working to create lasting change in people's lives and the communities we serve in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine, and portions of Cottonwood, Lac qui Parle, Nobles, and Redwood counties of Minnesota.