The need is greater than you think... As childhood poverty increases, it becomes harder and harder for families to find the resources to purchase the supplies needed to send their children back to school.
In 2013-14, 43.3% of Wisconsin public school students were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
• In some school districts the number is as high as 91.2%
• Not just a big city problem.
• 2014 estimated cost to send a child to school was $669
• School Supplies - $101
• Clothes - $232
• Shoes - $124
• Electronics/Accessories - $212
You can help. Find the Stuff the Bus location near to you and donate new, unused school supplies or books that will be distributed in your local community.
Cottage Grove ... The Cottage Grove Lions Club will have their "Stuff the Bus" project on August 8 at the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Cottage Grove and at the Monona Copps parking lot.
Cross Plains ... Collection barrels will be in place at Terry's Market, World of Variety, Cross Plains Community Bank, State Bank of Cross Plains, Cross Plains Pharmacy, Walgreens, St Francis Parish, and St Martins Church from July 20 to August 8. The wrap up of the CO Lions "Stuff the Truck" campaign is Saturday, August 8 at Glaciers Edge at the Lions Brat stand from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Brat stand will be open and collection barrels will be on site. All profit from brat stand goes toward school supplies drive, and cash donations will be accepted.
Highland ... The Highland Lions Club has been approached by a Highland community member and asked to donate to help children in need of school supplies at our Highland school. We have committed to donate a minimum of $300 and up to $500. We have challenged other Highland organizations to match our donation. Hopefully, all the needy will recieve the supplies to start this year!
Madison ... Visit one of the Madison area HyVee stores now through Saturday, August 8 to purchase or drop off new, unused in the blue collection barrels: East - 3801 E Washington Ave, Madison 53704; West - 675 S Whitney Way, Madison 53711; Fitchburg - 2920 Fitchrona Rd, Fitchburg 53719. Donate online at https://www.roonga.com/stuffthebus/. Additional details can be found at Lions Serve.
Mazomanie ... Mazomanie Lions are planning to 'STUFF THE BOXES". Boxes were decorated and dropped off at four businesses within Mazomanie for a drop off point. An article will be in the paper for the next few weeks as well as letters written to several businesses asking for cash donations, followed by Lions purchasing the supplies. The club has received $200.00 to date.
McFarland ... McFarland is doing a community effort Stuff the Bus project again this year. Stuff the Bus will be on Saturday, July 25 from 9am-3pm. Collection sites at Pick N Save, Walgreens and Dollar General in McFarland plus the Bus drop off location at McFarland High School. The community effort includes the McFarland Lions and Lioness Clubs, locals churches, McFarland State Banks and Thrivent Insurance.
Mount Horeb ... Mt. Horeb will be in the parking lot of World of Variety/Hardware Hank from 10-4 on August 8. We are partnering up with the Community Clothes Closet and will have collection boxes at other retailers around town as well.
Oregon ... The Oregon/Brooklyn Lions will be at Walgreen's on the corner of Main Street and Netherwood, from 9am until 3pm on August 8. Look for Leo Lion.
Stoughton ... August 8 - Walmart Parking Lot. Early drop off begins July 20 at Walmart, Walgreens, and McFarland State Bank - Downtown. Look for containers. Checks can be sent to the Stoughton Lions Club at 2364 Jackson St., Box 184, Stoughton, WI 53589
Sun Prairie ... details to follow
Verona ... Verona Chiropractic, State Bank of Cross Plains and Verona Public Library on August 3 - 7 from 9AM-4PM. Verona Area Lions Club is collecting schools supplies for kids as they get ready to start off the 2015-2016 school year. You can drop off supplies the week of August 3rd to Verona Chiropractic (413 W Verona Avenue) where there will be a school bus parked outside or inside the State Bank of Cross Plains (108 N Main Street) and the Verona Public Library.
* "STUFF THE BUS" is a registered trademark of the Iowa State Daily Publication in Ames, Iowa & is being used with permission.