The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, in partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and The Salvation Army Florida Division – Fort Walton Beach Corps, will hold its annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Donations will be accepted at Walmart locations in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Shoppers can purchase school supplies and drop them off during the event to benefit students across Okaloosa County.
The drive takes place during Florida’s back-to-school tax-free month. Organizers said the supplies collected will help students start the school year with the essential tools they need.
“Stuff the Bus is a wonderful example of our community coming together to support students and families,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. “Every notebook, backpack, and box of crayons donated helps remove barriers to learning and gives students the confidence to start the school year successfully.”
Donation boxes will also be placed at participating businesses throughout Okaloosa County, with additional collection sites announced on the district website and social media channels as they are confirmed.
- Businesses and organizations interested in serving as a collection site can contact Debbie Tate at 850-974-0742 or tated@okaloosaschools.com.
Through the annual campaign, thousands of school supplies are distributed each year to students and families in need. For event updates and collection site locations, visit okaloosaschools.com/page/stuff-the-bus.
Most needed supplies:
- Crayons (Crayola preferred)
- Colored Pencils
- Washable Markers
- Dry Erase Markers
- Folders
- Backpacks
- #2 Pencils (Dixon/Ticonderoga preferred)
- Mechanical Pencils
- Glue Sticks
- Notebooks
- Composition Notebooks
- Binders (one or one & 1/2 inch)
- Cap erasers
- Scissors (Fiskars preferred)
