To meet the need of local children and families during back-to-school season, The Salvation Army of Kent County is working with four area Walmart stores to collect school supplies during the annual Stuff the Bus event this Friday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 8.
The community can contribute by purchasing and dropping off items at the designated bins near the front of each store, or by searching on The Salvation Army’s Registry for Good and donating supplies online. The following four Walmart locations are participating: Comstock Park (3999 Alpine Ave NW), Grand Rapids (5859 28th St SE), Grandville (4542 Kenowa Ave SW) and Wyoming (355 54th St SW).
The Salvation Army of Kent County is seeking enough donations to fill over 300 backpacks, which will then be distributed by the Grand Rapids Kroc Center and the Fulton Heights Community Center. All types of school supplies are needed, everything from pens, pencils, notebooks, binders, folders, scissors, crayons and markers to calculators and USB flash drives.
“Equipping kids to go back to school can place a tremendous burden on families, especially this year as many continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic,” said Major Glen Caddy, Divisional Commander. “We are grateful for our partnership with Walmart, which helps us come alongside our neighbors in need. Kent County is a generous community, and we are thankful for their support as we Stuff the Bus to make sure our kids have the tools necessary for a successful school year.”
Walmart and The Salvation Army have partnered for more than 30 years to meet community needs through a range of social services, helping individuals and families overcome economic hardships. The Stuff the Bus school supply drive will be taking place at more than 4,500 Walmart stores across the country this weekend.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 8. Check individual store locations for hours.
WHERE: The following Grand Rapids-area Walmart locations: 3999 Alpine Ave NW; 5859 28th St SE; 4542 Kenowa Ave SW; 355 54th St SW
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