CLAY COUNTY — Thousands of students start school without essential supplies for academic success every year. Moreover, teachers spend an average of $750 out of their pockets annually to properly stock their classrooms. 

Now through July 19, Impact Clay, The Clay Education Foundation, United Way of Northeast Florida and First Coast News are joining forces to Stuff the Bus in Clay County for the first time.

By donating to this annual initiative supporting classrooms, teachers and students in need, you or your collection team will have the incredible opportunity to address this issue head-on and transform students’ lives.

Donations will benefit The Clay Education Foundation and help hundreds of teachers and more than 40,000 students in 47 Clay County public schools.

While donations of supplies and money will be accepted through Aug. 30, the main event will be at Staples at 2285 Kingsley Ave. in Orange Park on July 19 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the “Stuff the Bus” promotion.

Company teams, friends, family members, worship groups, book clubs and sports teams are invited to register as a team to support “Stuff the Bus.” To register your group below to collect physical school supplies, and we will send helpful information, tips, and promotional graphics to use for a successful drive and team-building experience. You can host a virtual fundraiser by encouraging your group to give monetary donations. Instructions will be provided at emailmeform.com/builder/form/8M5dfBdPTld30zyYpZx4Q.

If you can’t participate in person, consider a monetary donation instead of donating physical items. We will ensure your dollars are used cost-effectively to purchase these much-needed school supplies. To donate now, text “classrooms24” to 30306, or visit our donation webpage by clicking fundraise.givesmart.com/form/WnxfFw?vid=167i3w. The link will be open for donations until Aug. 30.

If you want to donate physical items, you leave them at Community First Credit Union branches at 625 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park, 2004 East-West Pkwy. on Fleming Island and 9690 Applecross Road in Oakleaf; Whataburger at 289 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park; and Staples in Orange Park.

The top 20 items needed are:

• pencils

• colored pencils

•crayons

• scissors

• copy paper

• glue

• markers

• sticky notes

• college and wide-ruled notebook paper

• index cards

• highlighters

• black permanent markers

• hand sanitizer

• cleaning wipes

• tissue boxes

• paper towels

• blue, black and red ink pens

• pencil boxes or pouches

• earbuds/headphones

• 3-prong folders with pockets

The Clay Education Foundation also needs a few hands to help stuff the bus. If you would like to lend a hand, please visit clayeducationfoundation.com.