Big Island community members encouraged to ‘Stuff the Bus’ and help keiki start new school year strong

Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division asks Big Island residents to “Stuff the Bus” with essential back-to-school supplies and help island students start the upcoming academic year strong.

The nonprofit’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive returns this month at Walmart stores throughout the state, including the Kona and Hilo stores.

Walmart shoppers are encouraged to purchase extra school supplies during their regular shopping trips and donate them at collection bins staffed by Salvation Army volunteers.

Donated supplies will be given to children in need around the Big Island before the start of the school year, supporting families who continue to face higher costs for back-to-school essentials.

Stuff the Bus is intended to relieve stress surrounding back-to-school shopping and reduce costs for families in need to make sure keiki hit the ground running with a solid foundation during the new school year.

“Starting off the school year strong is a crucial step not only toward giving a young person a solid foundation, but toward nurturing a lifelong love of learning and hopeful path forward,” Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary David Aycock in an announcement about the organization’s July community campaigns.

Salvation Army’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser will also be conducted at select Walmart locations, where the nonprofit’s iconic holiday Red Kettles will accept monetary donations to fund community programs.

All funds raised remain in the communities in which they are collected and will be used to assist local families.

Stuff the Bus is slated for 8 a.m. to noon July 16 at Kona Walmart, located at 75-1015 Henry St. in Kailua-Kona, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 24-26 at Hilo Walmart, located at 325 E Makaʻala St. in Hilo.

Christmas in July Red Kettle collections will be accepted July 10, 17 and 24 at Kona Walmart.

“We are deeply thankful for Walmart’s continued collaboration in supporting keiki and our wider community, now and throughout the entire year,” Aycock said.

Click here or call or call 808-988-2136 for additional information about the July community campaigns hosted by Salvation Army.