Correction to the story:

United Way initially reported that volunteers from six schools were participating in Stuff the Bus this year, down from the 10-12 range in 2018.

But United Way Director Nicole Mahder has now confirmed on Monday that in fact, more schools have had volunteers participating in the effort this year to obtain school supplies for needy children in USD 475 and Saint Xavier schools.

Mahder provided a list of the schools They included Lincoln, Milford, Fort Riley, Ware, Morris Hill, Spring Valley, Westwood, Seitz and Washington Elementary Schools.

School supplies will be delivered to all schools.

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Stuff the Bus donations of school supplies are down in Junction City this year compared to 2018.

United Way Director Nicole Mahder noted that one year ago more than 15,000 items were donated but as of Saturday afternoon the total was about 7,000. School supply items collected at two points on Saturday have not yet been calculated into the total.

Mahder said more items are needed, but she is unsure why the number of donations are down. “I’m not sure if it’s paydays falling, if our Saturdays are falling in between paydays or if it’s just people are struggling to make ends meet. Unfortunately it could be a multitude of things.”

Mahder noted that less schools have volunteers participating in the effort this year. “We only had six schools volunteer for Stuff the Bus. Last year we had between 10 and 12 schools. I’m not sure, maybe it’s just summertime, we’ve just had really low participation from teachers.”

The school supplies that are collected will be distributed to needy students in August. You can still make donations through August 4th at participating local businesses or at the United Way office at 139 East 8th Street.

There is some good news. Mahder confirmed that United Way only had about 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to give out last year but that number is up to 250. “So there are 250 backpacks that are going to go out to the community with basic supplies, crayons, paper, pencils so that is super super awesome.”