Shoppers ‘Stuff the Bus’ for area schoolchildren
PRESQUE ISLE — The United Way of Aroostook recently partnered with Aroostook County Action Program and Walmart of Presque Isle to organize the first annual “Stuff the Bus Aroostook” event, which took place the past weekend of Aug. 12-14.
Contributed photo
HELPING COUNTY KIDS — The United Way of Aroostook, the Aroostook County Action Program and Walmart recently joined forces for Stuff the Bus Aroostook, through which store patrons donated new school supplies to be distributed to Aroostook County children. From left are Jason Parent, ACAP executive director; Amy Murchison, ACAP family engagement specialist; Julianna Horne, ACAP Family Services; Sherry Locke, United Way executive director; and Scott Montgomery, Walmart assistant manager.
WE HELPED — Carter, left, and McKenzie Vigue are ready to donate school supplies to the recent Stuff the Bus Aroostook event, a collaboration between the United Way, ACAP and Walmart. They are the children of Holly and Joe Vigue of Mapleton. 
The special project generated donations of more than $1,200 in back-to-school supplies for Aroostook County children.
United Way Executive Director Sherry Locke said Walmart set up a special collection box at the store entrance, and throughout the weekend a school bus was visible in the store’s parking lot to remind the public to drop off their contributions.
The UWA has collaborated with ACAP for the past several years to furnish school supplies for area children, but as the need has grown, the program needed to expand.
According to Locke, partnering with Walmart in Presque Isle has helped to make the project more accessible and visible to the generous people of Aroostook County. She felt the event was a success and generated many donations for county children.
“The people of Aroostook County have been so generous. They are really looking out for our area students and setting them up for success,” she said. “Over the busy weekend we were able to collect $1,294 in back to school supplies and we will be distributing those items throughout Aroostook County.”
According to area guidance counselors and teachers, having the proper school supplies to start the school year not only sets a child up for a successful school year, but also provides added confidence and excitement while looking forward to the first day of school. When these needs are met, a child can focus on learning and not be distracted by the supplies they may not have.
By working together, Locke said, UWA and ACAP have been able to help meet these needs and send local students back to school with the supplies they need and the ability to focus on their education.
Although collections at Walmart have ended, the United Way is still accepting new school supplies including crayons, pencils, backpacks, socks and sneakers. Any supply or monetary donation can be dropped off at the United Way office in the Aroostook Centre Mall.
For more information, call Locke at 764-5197.
