What is Stuff the Bus?

Every child deserves to walk into their first day of school with confidence—and that starts with having the right supplies.

For many families in Lake County, the cost of school supplies is a heavy burden. That’s where you can make a difference. Through United Way of Lake County’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive, we’re working to ensure every child starts school with the tools they need to succeed.

Your support helps us fill backpacks with essential items like notebooks, pencils, folders, crayons, and more. These backpacks are then distributed to local students in need, right here in our community.

When a child has the right supplies, they can focus on what matters: learning, growing, and reaching their full potential.

Ways to Get Involved

1. DONATE SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Collect school supplies as an individual or a group to support local children!

Collect supplies and drop them off by August 1, 2025, at one of the collection sites listed below.

Please fill out our Interest Form to inform us that you want to participate, and we will email you all the information you need, including promotional materials.

Interest Form

COLLECTION SITES

  • United Way of Lake County – 330 S Greenleaf St, Gurnee
  • More collection sites will be added soon!

2. DONATE ONLINE

Each $42 donation will provide one student with a backpack full of supplies. Learn more about giving options by clicking the "Donate" button.

DONATE

Basic Supply Wish List

We need your help to collect the following (brand new) school supplies:

  • Backpacks – 17” plain, single or dual color
  • Spiral notebooks, wide ruled
  • 2-inch binders
  • Folders with pockets
  • Crayola crayons, 24 count
  • Crayola markers, 10 count
  • Yellow highlighters, 2 pack
  • Dry erase markers, black
  • Sharpened #2 pencils, 24 pack
  • Pencil sharpeners with shaving catcher
  • Pencil pouches or cases
  • Pink erasers, large
  • Glue sticks, large
  • Scissors, child-safe
  • Sticky notes
  • Index cards
  • Stylus pens
  • Earbuds/headphones

Promotional Materials

ENGLISH

SPANISH

 

 

CONTACT INFO

Bobbi Selvik,
Community Engagement Manager
Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org
847-775-1022

Interest Form

DONATE

DID YOU KNOW?

More than 58% of students in the following school districts live in low-income households: Beach Park, Fox Lake, Gurnee, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Zion.

(eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches, live in substitute care, or whose families receive public aid)

(Illinois Report Card 2023-2024)

DID YOU KNOW?

Nearly 550 students in the Waukegan and North Chicago school districts are experiencing homelessness.

(Illinois Report Card 2023-2024)

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