Lorain, Ohio – United Way of Greater Lorain County concluded this year’s Fill the Bus school supply drive on Friday, Aug. 16. Nearly 23,000 school supplies were distributed to 15 participating school districts across Lorain County, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community and the support of the drive’s sponsor, I-90 Nissan.
This year’s Fill the Bus drive included more than 50 collection sites, all coming together to ensure every child has the tools they need for academic success.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to Fill the Bus this year,” said Colleen Walts, marketing and engagement director at United Way of Greater Lorain County. “The enthusiasm we witnessed this summer was incredible. With help from local residents, we’ve been able to alleviate some of the financial burdens that many families and teachers face, ensuring that students have the supplies they need to start the school year off strong.”
The Fill the Bus school supply drive is an integral part of United Way’s year-round Collect.Sort.Deliver. Impact Initiative. The initiative focuses on collecting, sorting, and distributing high-need items including school supplies, books, and tampons and pads.
“Every child deserves access to the resources that will set them up for success in the classroom, said United Way of Greater Lorain County president and CEO Ryan Aroney. “Thanks to the Fill the Bus drive, thousands of local students are now better prepared for the school year ahead, and hard-working educators won’t have to spend their own money on classroom supplies.”
As the school year begins, United Way of Greater Lorain County remains committed to supporting local students and their families.
To learn more about how you can get involved in ongoing efforts, including the Collect.Sort.Deliver Impact Initiative, visit uwloraincounty.org/volunteer or call 440-277-6530. If you need school supplies, contact 2-1-1.
United Way of Greater Lorain County leads community-wide innovation to tackle problems that most people say can’t be solved. In unforgiving cities, overlooked townships, and seemingly docile suburbs. We find every dollar we can to address them. But we are more than the fundraisers. United Way brings together over 150 organizations to power 10 Community Collaboratives. Together, we fight for the health, education, and financial stability of low-income working families who need our help in Greater Lorain County. We have one life. To live better, we must Live United. Learn more at uwloraincounty.org or by calling 440-277-6530.