It goes without saying that sometimes people do the most extraordinary things, like theresidents of Carteret County donating over $21,000 in school supplies during this year's 4th
annual Communities In Schools “ Stuff the Bus” event.
It has always been my experience that
when we know there is a specific need, people really do step up to the challenge, especially
when it comes to the needs of children.
People came from all over to fill the carts and bins at
the Marlins Baseball game on August 2nd and then again during tax free weekend August 6th and
7th until every seat, floor and the back of the bus was so "stuffed" that the bus was almost too
back heavy with paper, pencils, backpacks, binders, glue, notebooks and more, to be placed on
the road. Some individuals gave a pack of loose leaf paper, which was all they could give, while
others that could afford more gave cart loads and still came back with more.
Any amount was
welcomed and all was given out on August 18th at the former News Times building on Arendell
St., thanks to the Town of Morehead City for allowing us to use the space for distribution.
Families waited hours in the heat for the free supplies, 672 students in fact received
backpacks "stuffed" with school supplies to start the year out on the right foot.
And just who
helped Communities In Schools with this event? Well, we were a misfit group of loving, caring
and very generous local businesses, organizations and individuals that volunteered time and
service to the cause. This year our outstanding partners were Staples of Morehead City whom
we owe a great deal of gratitude who for the third year in a row has been our lead sponsor
for "Stuff the Bus".
And again this year our friends at the Carteret County Association of
REALTORS stepped up and volunteered so much time handing out wish lists from the schools
but Chick-Fil-A coupons for those that dropped off.
Thank You for making 300 students and their families very happy!
CIS of Carteret County would like to thank our newest friends, BB&T Insurance. With their "Lighthouse Project", they sent 400 backpacks for this year's "Stuff the Bus" event! Backpacks are the most important tool for back to school supplies, without them no child could get to school with his or her supplies. Every child needs one and every child likes to pick out their own to match their personality. BB&T Insurance gave that opportunity to students all across Carteret County.
Other friends to "Stuff the Bus" were Lowe's, CCBS Sign Shop, Front St. Village, Mac
Willis of Nationwide Insurance, K-Mart and Ashley's Furniture.
To all of our partners, new
friends and generous residents of Carteret County we want to thank you for helping so many
students start this school year off in a positive direction and making this year's "Stuff the Bus"
event our most successful yet.
