• United Way of West Florida Announces the Return of the ''Stuff the Bus'' School Supplies Drive

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    July 10, 2024
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Stephen Prestesater
    VP of Philanthropy and Communications
    United Way of West Florida
    850.444.7043
    stephen.prestesater@uwwf.org
     
    United Way of West Florida Announces the Return of the "Stuff the Bus" School Supplies Drive
     
    Pensacola, FL.- July 9, 2024
    United Way of West Florida is excited to announce the return of the "Stuff the Bus" school supplies collection drive, dedicated to supporting students in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. This year's event is set to take place on Thursday, July 25, at six Walmart locations across both counties.
     
    In partnership with Escambia County Public Schools, Santa Rosa County District Schools, WEAR Cares, Cat Country 98.7, News Radio 92.3, and the Pensacola News Journal, "Stuff the Bus" stands as the only school supplies drive endorsed by both Escambia and Santa Rosa School Districts. The initiative aims to equip students with the essential tools they need to succeed in the upcoming school year.
     
    "We are thrilled to once again join forces with our community partners and sponsors to support our local students," said Laura Gilliam, President and CEO of United Way of West Florida. "The generosity of our community ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically."
     
    The drive is sponsored by HCA Florida West Hospital, Navy Federal Credit Union, Santa Rosa Energy Center, Ascend Cares Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company, International Paper, Anderson Subaru, and Westmark & Associates Allstate Insurance. Their support plays a crucial role in the success of this important event.
     
    Drop Off Locations
    Escambia County Locations:
    - Blue Angel - 2951 S Blue Angel Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32506
    - Mobile Hwy - 4600 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32506
    - Creighton - 2650 Creighton Rd, Pensacola, FL 32504
     
    Santa Rosa County Locations:
    - Tiger Point - 3767 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
    - Navarre - 9360 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566
    - Pea Ridge - 4965 US-90, Milton, FL 32571
     
    Community members are encouraged to visit these locations between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (8:00 a.m. start time for Navarre) to drop off their donations of new school supplies. Items needed include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, as well as other essential classroom supplies. All collected items will be distributed to students in need within Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Families in need of supplies should contact their child’s school. If you can’t make it to one of the drop-off locations, you can still help by making your donation online at uwwf.org/STB or by texting SCHOOL850 to 44321. (Message and data rates may apply)
     
    For more information about "Stuff the Bus" and how you can get involved, please visit uwwf.org/STB or contact Julia Helton, Community Impact Senior Manager at (850) 912-8177 or Julia.helton@uwwf.org.
     











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    About UWWF: United Way of West Florida unites our community and leverages resources to improve lives. Through resources, advocacy, and volunteerism, United Way of West Florida works to strengthen the education, financial stability, and health of everyone in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Learn more about United Way of West Florida at uwwf.org.
     
     
     
    Stephen Prestesater
    VP of Philanthropy and Communications
    United Way of West Florida 
    (850) 444-7042 - office
    (850) 295-0724 - mobile
    7100 Plantation Road, Suite 18
    Pensacola, FL 32504 
    uwwf.org
     
    Celebrating 100 Years of Creating Change!
     
    Follow us on social media @UWWFL or sign up for our newsletter at uwwf.org/newsletter to keep up with our 100th anniversary!
    Contact:
    Stephen Prestesater, Director of Marketing
    stephen.prestesater@uwwf.org, (850) 434-3157