United Way Day of Action June 21, 2011
Stuff the Bus mobilizes droves of volunteers to "LIVE UNITED"
United Way of Cascade County hopes you'll take a few of the extra hours of sunlight on June 21 -- the longest day of the year -- to build a stronger community by gathering and donating school supplies and living essentials to give to kids and their families.
Last year, Great Falls givers filled a school bus with much needed and much appreciated items. In its second year, we hope the Stuff the Bus event is even more successful.
Beyond backpacks and books, many students need basic living essentials. Without shoes, socks, toothpaste and shampoo, students are less likely to focus on achieving academic greatness. United Way believes education, financial stability and health are the building blocks for successful life.
On June 21, United Way of Cascade County will join United Ways across the country in the fourth annual United Way Day of Action. The summer solstice, June 21 has more daylight hours than any other day of the year, making it the perfect opportunity for people to find a few extra minutes to give back to their community.
This year's event will demonstrate how people in Great Falls and Cascade County LIVE UNITED to impact Education in our community by helping to "Stuff the Bus" with supplies to help our youth achieve their potential.
"Advancing the common good means creating opportunities for a better life for all," said United Way of Cascade County President Gary Owen. "When individuals, organizations, governments and businesses set aside their special interests and work together, we can make a difference. Living United means being part of the change."
To join in, collect items from the list below in the weeks leading up to Tuesday, June 21, the Day of Action. That day, bring the supplies to the parking lot at event cosponsor ShopKo (301 Northwest Bypass) where a bus kindly donated by Big Sky Bus Lines waits to be stuffed between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Can't make it on the Day of Action? Take donations to the Great Falls Tribune, 205 River Drive S., or ShopKo's service desk beforehand. If you can't deliver the items, contact us and we'll arrange to pick them up.
Supplies from the Day of Action event will be distributed through organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, the Heisey Youth Center and other United Way service partners. Here's a list of needed supplies or click here to download a printable shopping list:
Education:
Notebooks, 3-ring binders, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, calculators, safety scissors, glue sticks, craft materials/craft kits, watercolor paints, backpacks, lunch boxes, books (new or gently used,) construction paper, note cards, 2-pocket folders, cardstock paper, board and card games.
Income:
Gas cards, city bus passes, grocery cards, gift cards (to reward for academic achievement,) postage stamps, toilet paper, tissue paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food (small boxes of cereal, energy drinks, bottled water,) toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, alarm clocks, garbage bags, flashlights.
Health:
Diapers, diaper bags, Tylenol, combs, brushes, sunscreen, bug spray, towels, twin-size sheet sets, new children's clothing (socks, shoes, underwear, shirts, pants,) liquid soap, hand sanitizer, Band Aids.
Our community joins people all across the country who are taking action on June 21 - demonstrating how they LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and volunteering in the areas of education, income and health.
To get involved click here or call 727-3400.
For information about events across the country, or to look for ongoing opportunities to take action through giving, advocating and volunteering, go to http://www.liveunited.org/.
