Back-to-school season should be an exciting time for students, but for many families, the rising cost of supplies adds financial stress.

That’s why The Salvation Army is partnering with Walmart to host the annual “Stuff the Bus” event, making it easy for shoppers to support local students and help them start the school year with confidence.

On Friday, July 25, from noon to 4 p.m., shoppers at the Kewanee Walmart are invited to purchase extra school supplies and drop them in the Salvation Army collection bin located at the front of the store. Every donation directly benefits children in the Kewanee area.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, many parents are finding it harder than ever to afford the basic supplies their children need for school,” said Eddie Toliver, director of The Salvation Army in Kewanee. “Thanks to the generosity of Walmart shoppers, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to start the school year ready to learn.”

All school supplies collected during the campaign will remain in the local community and be distributed to families in need.

For more than 30 years, Walmart and The Salvation Army have partnered to meet urgent needs across the country. Today, thanks to retailers like Walmart, The Salvation Army serves more than 27 million Americans annually through programs that address poverty, hunger, homelessness, and other critical challenges.

How to support the “Stuff the Bus” campaign:

· Visit Walmart Kewanee on July 25 between noon and 4 p.m.
· Purchase school supplies of your choice
· Drop donations in the Salvation Army collection bin located near the grocery entrance

“Together, we can give every student in our community a strong start to the new school year,” said Toliver.

For more information about The Salvation Army’s local programs or how to get involved, visit the website here.