Live United | United Way

Headlines
 
United Way Seeks to “Stuff The Bus” as part of National Day of Action June 21
Galloway, N.J., - On Monday, June 21, United Way of Atlantic County will kick off its National Day of Action with one supreme summer-long assignment: to “Stuff the Bus” for children in need throughout Atlantic County.

Each year, United Ways across the country mobilize their communities to work to advance the common good on National Day of Action. Held on June 21, the longest day of the year with more daylight hours than any other, Day of Action serves an opportunity to make an impact on education, income and health, the core areas and building blocks for a good life that United Way is committed to improving.

United Way of Atlantic County will once again launch the “Stuff the Bus” campaign, a project aimed at getting kids prepared for the upcoming school year by collecting much needed school supplies. The program was created in 2009 in response to a stalled economy and shrinking school budgets.

“Families in Atlantic County are finding it more difficult to purchase very basic school supplies and schools just couldn’t accommodate the demand,” said Reverend Milton Hendricks, Vice President of Community Initiatives with United Way of Atlantic County, and pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Pleasantville. “We have the opportunity to partner with local businesses, churches, organizations, and even individuals, to “Stuff the Bus” for our students, giving them a better chance to succeed in school.”

In total, more than 1,500 school essentials were collected last summer including backpacks, crayons, notebooks, paper, scissors, pencils and pens. The supplies, worth more than $3,000, were then delivered to hundreds of children at the Egg Harbor Township Community Center, the Pleasantville Family Center, AtlantiCare Center for Community Health, and the Hammonton Farmer’s Market during the Children’s Health Day Back to School Celebration.

"Our first “Stuff the Bus” campaign was hugely successful, the community really stepped up.” said John Emge, Executive Director of United Way. ”But by no means has the need been met. Families are still finding it difficult to budget beyond basic needs and that is where United Way tries to fill that gap and provide kids with the tools they need to be able to keep up academically.”

Local companies and organizations are encouraged to participate by contacting Meredith Egan at 609-404-4483 ext. 19 or MEgan@unitedwayac.org. Information can also be found online at www.unitedwayac.org.

United Way of Atlantic County is a local, volunteer-driven, charitable organization mobilizing people and resources to meet our community’s most pressing health and human services needs. United Way is dedicated to making a positive impact on the quality of life for Atlantic County residents by supporting dozens of programs that reduce substance abuse and promote mental wellness, provide basic needs and increase self-sufficiency, support community health issues and foster safer homes and neighborhoods. Volunteers closely monitor these programs to ensure effective and efficient use of donor dollars. For more information on United Way of Atlantic County call 609-404-4483 or visit www.unitedwayac.org. If you or someone you know are in need of services dial 211.