News Taffy

One of the most exciting things about starting a new school year is buying new school supplies. Imagine going to school without them. Unfortunately for many kids, that is exactly what they experience. That's why United Way of Northeast Arkansas has joined forces with KAIT8, Jonesboro Radio Group and Crowley’s Ridge Development Council to “Stuff the Bus” on August 7 with school supplies for kids in need throughout Northeast Arkansas. By donating school supplies, everyone can contribute to a successful school year, with each child having the needed supplies to excel.

Through “Stuff the Bus”, not a single crayon or eraser is wasted. The donations are maximized by distributing items directly to each school. There, a supply closet is accessed throughout the school year by teachers or other staff for their students who don’t have the needed school supplies. All supplies collected are delivered directly to the area schools in time for the start of the school year.

The first United Way of NEA “Stuff the Bus” was held August 13, 2005 with 2 schools in the Newport and Corning areas. The program has grown rapidly since then and will benefit 25 schools this year including:

• Park Elementary (Corning)
• Jonesboro Public Schools
• Nettleton School District (Jonesboro)
• Riverside Elementary (Lake City)
• Valley View School District (Jonesboro)
• Weiner School District
• Westside Elementary (Jonesboro)
• Buffalo Island Central West Elementary (Monette)
• Newport Elementary
• Tuckerman Elementary
• Greene County Tech (Paragould)
• Marmaduke Elementary
• Alma Spikes Elementary (Pocahontas)
• Maynard Elementary

• Sloan Hendrix Elementary (Imboden)
• Bay Elementary
• Cedar Park Elementary (Trumann)
• EPC Lepanto &Tyronza
• Harrisburg Elementary
• Marked Tree School District
• Black Rock Elementary
• Hoxie School District
• Walnut Ridge Elementary
• Wynne School District
• Cross County School District Parents and guardians may contact their school Guidance Counselor prior to the beginning of the school year to access the supplies.

Here’s how you can get involved and join the LIVE UNITED movement:
• GIVE. Donate school supplies at any of 9 Wal-Mart stores throughout NEA on Saturday, August 7 between 9:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. including: Jonesboro (Parker Road and Highland Drive), Corning, Newport, Paragould, Pocahontas, Trumann, Walnut Ridge and Wynne.
• ADVOCATE. Tell your friends about this important project.
• VOLUNTEER. Contact Ruth Baker via e-mail ( ruth.baker@unitedway.org ) or telephone (870-935-3658) at United Way of Northeast Arkansas.
• ADVANCE THE COMMON GOOD. Create opportunities for a better life for all by providing students with necessary supplies.