Backpacks delivered to students in need during Stuff the Bus event in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The United Way of Pioneer Valley stuffed a Peter Pan bus full of donated backpacks during their “Stuff the Bus” event on Tuesday.

The United Way of Pioneer Valley staff and volunteers packed hundreds of backpacks that were filled with donated school supplies in the storage area under the bus and on the seats. The bags were given to homeless students at 10 different school districts.

“It’s extremely important for families who are in transition that’s one less thing they have to think about. They already have lots of pressure if they are trying to find a permanent home. And we’re happy to be there and give them something so they can feel like every other child who’s attending school,” said Jennifer Kinsman, the Director of Community Impact for the United Way of Pioneer Valley.

The most needed items this year for the program included spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, crayons, highlighters, and rulers. Their goal this year is to donate roughly 1,400 backpacks with supplies to students in need.

Stuff the Bus relies on generous donations of school supplies from the community, and dedicated volunteers assist with the packing process.

The United Way of Pioneer Valley is an organization that brings people together to care for each other. They provide programs and services, volunteer, strengthen agencies, teach social responsibility, and meet the needs of the people of Hampden County, Granby, and South Hadley since 1921.