COPPERAS COVE, TX — Copperas Cove ISD is hosting their 5th annual Stuff the Bus event all weekend long. They’re asking for school supplies donations.
You can bring anything from pencils to backpacks to the school bus parked in front of the Walmart at Copperas Cove.
CCISD says 68 percent of Copperas Cove ISD students qualify for the free and reduced meal program. Many of these students’ families may find it challenging to afford school supplies.
With hundreds of volunteers, and a partnership with Walmart and Star-Group Veterans Helping Veterans, the district hopes to raise $38,000 in school supplies.
Last year, they raised $35,000 and Walmart has generously donated $1,500 in school supplies this year.
“We believe in investing in our children we serve. We owe it to our children and families during this time of the year when things can get hectic getting the students prepared for all their needs,” said Walmart Manager Tania Culpepper. “Many families may be struggling and unable to provide the basic school supplies their children need to be successful in the classroom.”
Wanting to make sure CCISD students’ needs are met, Star-Group Veterans Helping Veterans co-founder, Jonathan Haywood, was happy to help.
“The children in our community deserve to go to school happy. Sometimes, kids can be cruel to those that do not have things,” Haywood said. “Providing the supplies enables these children to learn. There are a lot of folks out there that just do not have the means to provide what is needed. Their pride won’t let them ask for help. But, if the help is already there, they can put their pride aside and just love their kids and send them to school.”
The biggest items in need are backpacks and earbuds, but anything will be accepted.
The CCISD blue activity bus will be out Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Walmart in Copperas Cove.
