Stuff the Bus Volunteers
United Way of West Central MN
8:30am - 4:00pm
It’s time for our annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive, and we need your help!
Each year, this community effort helps provide local students with the school supplies they need to start the school year prepared and confident. Last year, with the support of our amazing volunteers and donors, we processed over 18,000 school supply items for local schools. We’re gearing up to do it again — and we can’t do it without you.
We are looking for volunteers to help with several stages of the program, including:
• Picking up donated school supplies from collection sites
• Counting, sorting, and organizing supplies
• Packing and boxing supplies for distribution to local schools
Please review the attached schedule to see where and when help is needed.
A few important notes:
- Some volunteer shifts require specific physical abilities, such as lifting donation boxes, standing for extended periods, and accurately counting/sorting supplies. These requirements are listed on the schedule to help ensure each task is matched with the right support so our process can run smoothly and efficiently.
- While most volunteer shifts are scheduled between 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, I will also be working at WCI on Stuff the Bus outside of those listed hours. If the scheduled timeframes don’t work for you but you’d still like to help, please reach out. I’d be happy to coordinate an alternate time that works for your schedule.
If you’re available to help, contact me directly at hhelmin@liveunitedwcm.org or by phone to let me know which shift(s) you’d like to sign up for. Office: 320-235-1050 Ext: 2
Thank you for helping us make sure local students have the tools they need to succeed this school year. Your time makes a real impact!
With gratitude,
Hailey Helmin
Programs & Marketing
United Way of West Central Minnesota
hhelmin@liveunitedwcm.org
Office: 320-235-1050 Ext: 2
Who We Are
At the United Way of West Central Minnesota, we are committed to closing the gaps of inequality found in our local community in three distinct areas: education, health, and basic needs. We do this by working to mobilize the caring power of communities so that together, we can transform lives. By working through grants which are made available to the community, and our own programming, we work hard to impact others so that they may be inspired to do good in our community and for others, as well.
What We Do
United Way of West Central Minnesota serves the community members and other beneficial programs by offering scholarships that meet our three key areas of concern. Furthermore, we also operate our own programs which work to benefit the community we live in and serve:
211 assists in providing individuals and families the connections needed to acquire resources that they are lacking. From rental assistance, food security, healthcare, and more. A fully confidential resource specialist is available 24/7 at no cost to callers.
The Future World Changer program provides toolkits to children at early childhood screenings which engage developing young learners before they even step foot into a classroom.
The Growmobile is a unique opportunity for our local area communities provided exclusively by the United Way of West Central Minnesota. It consists of a traveling educational experience for young learners throughout the summer. It also provides resources to continue learning and discovery throughout the school year. The Growmobile hosts inclusive activities at multiple stops throughout the summer. The current schedule can be found on our website.
In partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, we assist in providing new books every month to children ages birth to 5 years old at no cost to those who register through the United Way of West Central Minnesota. Receiving these books is not only a catalyst for increased learning opportunities but also an opportunity for parents and guardians to spend quality time with their children.
Little Bums of Willmar is an annual diaper drive that is funded and operated by volunteers in our community. Through it, caregivers in need can receive free diapers and wipes without using their financial status as a determining factor.
Stuff the Bus is an ongoing event that works throughout the summer to gather funds and donated school supplies and ensures that they are then provided to students throughout the West Central area who are in need of them for the upcoming school year.
The Village Children's Museum provides children with a safe and inclusive space to learn, play, explore, create, and grow. Through play, children are able to use their imaginations to fuel their understanding of the world around them. At The Village, indoor play opportunities provide the means for all children to gather together and play. Scholarships are available to those who are experiencing financial difficulties so that access is available to all.
211 assists in providing individuals and families the connections needed to acquire resources that they are lacking. From rental assistance, food security, healthcare, and more. A fully confidential resource specialist is available 24/7 at no cost to callers.
The Future World Changer program provides toolkits to children at early childhood screenings which engage developing young learners before they even step foot into a classroom.
The Growmobile is a unique opportunity for our local area communities provided exclusively by the United Way of West Central Minnesota. It consists of a traveling educational experience for young learners throughout the summer. It also provides resources to continue learning and discovery throughout the school year. The Growmobile hosts inclusive activities at multiple stops throughout the summer. The current schedule can be found on our website.
In partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, we assist in providing new books every month to children ages birth to 5 years old at no cost to those who register through the United Way of West Central Minnesota. Receiving these books is not only a catalyst for increased learning opportunities but also an opportunity for parents and guardians to spend quality time with their children.
Little Bums of Willmar is an annual diaper drive that is funded and operated by volunteers in our community. Through it, caregivers in need can receive free diapers and wipes without using their financial status as a determining factor.
Stuff the Bus is an ongoing event that works throughout the summer to gather funds and donated school supplies and ensures that they are then provided to students throughout the West Central area who are in need of them for the upcoming school year.
The Village Children's Museum provides children with a safe and inclusive space to learn, play, explore, create, and grow. Through play, children are able to use their imaginations to fuel their understanding of the world around them. At The Village, indoor play opportunities provide the means for all children to gather together and play. Scholarships are available to those who are experiencing financial difficulties so that access is available to all.
You Can Help!
Thank you for your interest! We will reach out when there are specific openings available.