While some students look forward to the joy that comes from opening a fresh box of crayons or brand new notebooks on the first day of school, others are not as fortunate. That is why Salvation Army partnered with Walmart for a nationwide Stuff the Bus campaign.

Salvation Army of the Shoals organized the event at the Walmart in Russellville and Muscle Shoals last Saturday.

“It was definitely exciting to partner with them,” said Salvation Army of the Shoals secretary and volunteer coordinator Christi Onocki. “We are very thankful for Walmart for partnering with us and allowing us to do the (Stuff the Bus) event.”

All supplies donated and money raised will be used at the local level. There will be a distribution day Aug. 11 for anyone who needs school supplies; anyone in need of supplies can also call Salvation Army of the Shoals for early pick up.

Social Service case worker Rose Rhodes said the Salvation Army does not know exactly how many supplies was donated or how much money was raised at the Stuff the Bus event. These numbers will be calculated and announced in the upcoming week.

Onocki said even though she does not know the exact count of supplies donated, she can say the event was a success.

“It was a perfect time to do it – especially this past weekend with so many people in Walmart buying school supplies anyway,” Onacki said.

This was a nationwide event, with more than 300 Walmarts participating. For more information on how to donate, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/walmart-stuff-the-bus.