United Way of South Mississippi (UWSM), Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, local school districts in Hancock, Harrison, Stone, and Pearl River counties, and surrounding Wal-Marts and other businesses in the community are partnering this month to FILL THE BUS with school supplies for students in need.

During the month of July, all local Walmart locations will be accepting donations of school supplies for the FILL THE BUS event, with a final push and celebration on July 31 from 8a.m. until 2p.m. We invite all media to attend at the Gulfport Wal-Mart Supercenter on Hwy 49 between 12noon and 2p.m. Dental screenings for children will also be available, so make plans now to come by and help us to Fill The Bus!

United Way’s CEO, Cynthia Minton Walker, said that this event gives everyone the opportunity to be part of a student’s support team focused on academic success. “School supplies are the tools students need to do their job. Without them, a child is already at a disadvantage. So help us FILL THE BUS by sharing what you can when you visit Wal-Mart this month!”

All supplies that are collected will be disbursed to selected area schools for children in need.

For more information, contact Kellee Caldwell at kcaldwell@unitedwaysm.org, 228-896-2213.