Salvation Army joins forces with Walmart for ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive

The organization, in collaboration with Walmart, hosted its annual "Stuff the Bus" school supply drive, where members of the Salvation Army and the women's auxiliary braced the heat on Friday to gather much-needed items. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As families gear up for a new school year, local organizations like the Salvation Army of Greater Macon are helping to ease the burden of back-to-school shopping for many households.

The organization, in collaboration with Walmart, hosted its annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, where members of the Salvation Army and the women’s auxiliary braced the heat on Friday to gather much-needed items. 

Major Nancy Fuller, Corps Pastor of Warner Robins and Macon, expressed her excitement about the overwhelming community support.

“It’s just a wonderful thing to see people come in and be a participant in giving the school supplies and doing things for things for the community, and knowing that it’s going back into the community, it makes a big difference,” she said.

Contributions of notebooks, pencils, backpacks and even monetary donations to help purchase additional supplies.

“The list is so long,” Fuller said. “And after they’ve had a summer at home, extra food. It’s been so hot so, so extra electricity. Parents just don’t have the funds to buy even packs of pencils, so anything is very generous and kind.” 

This year, the drive has sparked a friendly competition.

“We’re trying to beat Warner Brothers,” Fuller said. “They did 856 pieces I believe. So we’d like to kind of do more than that. So, you know, a little competition never hurt anybody.”

The supplies collected during the drive will benefit 25 children in the Salvation Army shelter.

On Friday, July 25, the Salvation Army will host a school supply giveaway at their Broadway location for families in the community. The event is set to begin at 10 a.m., with supplies available while they last.