Stuff the Bus, the annual drive to collect school supplies for Mesa County students, is back.

The first day of school in Mesa County is August 10. Even though we don't really know what the coming school year looks like in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the one thing we do know is that students are going to need school supplies. That's why we do Stuff the Bus.

Nearly half of District 51 students live in households that meet federal income requirements for free or reduced-price school lunches. That simply means there are a lot of students who are going to come up short when it comes to school supplies. Often times teachers take money out of their own pocket to make sure students have what they need.

Once again this year, the Townsquare Media family of radio stations is teaming up with Mesa County Valley School District 51 for a Stuff the Bus campaign. Early Monday morning, a school bus was placed inside Mesa mall where it will reside for the next four weeks. The public is encouraged to drop off school supplies on the bus. The windows are open so people can toss their donations inside the bus.

We are grateful for our partnerships in the local community that make Stuff the Bus possible including Community Hospital, Sooper Credit Union, Student Transportation of America, Mesa Mall, and, of course, Mesa County Valley School District 51.

Obviously, things are extremely different this year than in year's past. That being the case, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to donate. Cash donations are a great way for you to support Stuff the Bus. It's easy and safe, plus, we can take that cash and buy school supplies in bulk and get a lot more bang for the buck. Donations can be made securely on the school district foundation website.

If you prefer to do the shopping yourself here is a list of school supplies we need.
* #2 pencils
* colored pencils
* markers
* crayons
* notebooks
* notebook paper
* graph paper
* glue sticks
* scissors
* rulers
* pocket folders
* 3-ring binders
* erasers

You will find the bus at Clock Court inside Mesa Mall, and we thank you in advance for whatever you can do to help. Be listening to your favorite Townsquare Media station to learn about possible on-location opportunities where you can drop off your donation of school supplies or cash.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

The Top Ten High Schools on the Western Slope

More From 95 Rock