Salvation Army And Walmart Announce 'Stuff The Bus' Campaign

CHICAGO, IL — The Salvation Army and Walmart are teaming up to provide new school supplies to local children in need during the “Stuff the Bus” campaign event taking place Friday through Sunday at more than 3 dozen participating Walmart stores in Chicago, the suburbs, and Northwest Indiana. According to a news release from The Salvation Army, this year's "Stuff the Bus" campaign across the Chicago area is part of an event taking place at more than 4,500 Walmart stores across the country. According to the news release, The Salvation Army has adapted its services in light of the coronavirus to ensure that children in every community can continue receiving the educational support they deserve.

Shoppers visiting Walmart this weekend can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of each store, the news release said.

“There are parents who will have to make the tough choice between buying school supplies or groceries, paying for the electric bill or insurance,” Commissioner Barry Swanson, Salvation Army Metropolitan Division Commander, said in the news release. “We anticipate those are choices that more families are making this year due to the novel coronavirus. Together with Walmart, we want to do what we can to help ease the burden and set children up for a successful year.”

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According to the news release, the National Retail Federation finds that coronavirus could push back-to-school spending to record levels, adding that while this includes spending money on laptops and computer accessories, the expense of traditional school supplies is expected to average $131.37.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Salvation Army has provided more than 65 million meals, 1.45 million nights of shelter, and emotional and spiritual support to more than 778,000 people, financial assistance, hygiene kits, and youth programs the organization provides in almost every ZIP code in America, the news release said.

All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” campaign events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need.

• Local participating Walmart store locations

Visit SalArmyChicago.org for more information.