Back-to-school season means one thing on The Valley Today: it's time to Stuff the Bus. Janet Michael welcomes back Elise Stine Dolinar, executive director of Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester, for a catch-up on the joint Frederick County/Winchester City Schools program that makes sure kids have what they need to learn — and a look ahead at this year's Stuff the Bus school supply drive.

Elise shares record-breaking summer numbers, some of the families she works with, and exactly how you can help — from dropping supplies at one of three area Walmarts to shopping a virtual drive from your couch. Whether it's pencils, Expo markers, snacks for the new in-school food pantries, or a cash donation that goes further than you'd think, there's an easy way to pitch in before the first bell rings.

Stuff the Bus Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 1st
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Locations: Three Winchester-area Walmart locations — Pleasant Valley, Stephens City, and Route 50
What to bring: School supplies such as pencils, Expo markers, folders, construction paper, crayons, and markers (top needs this year: pencils and Expo markers)
Alternate ways to give: Drop donations at Bright Futures' 24/7 donation shed in Winchester, or shop the virtual Stuff the Bus drive online

Links & Resources

Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester: brightfuturesfrederickcounty.org (shopping lists, printable PDFs, and the virtual Stuff the Bus drive)
Bright Futures Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/brightfuturesfrederickcounty
Bright Futures Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3W3LH65W1K4FE/

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

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