This year the United Way of Island County is helping children get a good start to the school year by partnering with the Opportunity Council, North Whidbey Lions Club, Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Oak Harbor School District to coordinate “Stuff the Bus,” an opportunity that will provide needy Island County students with proper school supplies to assist each of them with their studies and help build self-esteem.

Throughout these summer months, employee groups and service organizations have been asked to volunteer to contribute and collect donations of new school supplies for local elementary and middle school students from low-income families.

All children look forward to arriving on the first day of school with new notebooks, backpacks and pencil boxes, but it’s a different story for unfortunate families who cannot afford these items. That’s where your organization can help.

Collect school supplies and drop them off at the Oak Harbor Walmart or Oak Harbor Kmart on Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Another drop off day is at the Oak Harbor Chamber meeting on Thursday, Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Elks Club.

School Supplies needed: Notebook paper, number 2 pencils, pens, pencil pouch, supply box, scissors, glue and glue sticks, Crayons (24 to a box), colored pencils, colored markers, erasers, folders, subject dividers, binders, rulers, Kleenex, calculators, backpacks and jump drives.

Supplies can be dropped off anytime at the Opportunity Council, 1791 NE 1st Oak Harbor.