CULLMAN, Ala. – United Way of Cullman County is collecting school supplies throughout July as part of its annual Stuff the Bus campaign.
Donations may be dropped off at EvaBank, Premier Bank, Cullman Electric Cooperative and the Cullman Police Department, according to United Way Office Manager Kayla Mize. Supplies may also be delivered during United Way’s weekend collection event at Walmart.
“With Alabama’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (happening) July 17-19, we encourage everyone to pick up a few extra school supplies while shopping,” Mize said.
She said a student’s school supply list can serve as a guide for selecting useful donations.
The most-needed items include pencils, crayons, markers, folders, glue sticks, scissors, backpacks and other classroom essentials. United Way asks that all donated items be new so students begin the school year with quality supplies.
Monetary donations are also accepted through Venmo and PayPal. Families and supporters may also purchase items through United Way’s Amazon Wish List.
“Every dollar donated goes directly toward purchasing school supplies for local students,” Mize said.
United Way has organized Stuff the Bus for several years to help Cullman County students and families prepare for the beginning of school.
Mize said the campaign is intended to provide students with the materials they need while reducing some of the financial pressure on families.
“Many local families fall into the ALICE category,” Mize said. “These are hardworking families who often struggle to make ends meet, and school supplies can be one more expense that’s difficult to manage.”
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
Mize said donations of any size can make a meaningful difference.
“Whether someone donates one pack of crayons or fills an entire backpack, every donation helps a local child start the school year with confidence,” she said.
Stuff the Bus also has personal significance for Mize. She first became involved with United Way by volunteering during the 2024 and 2025 drives.
“One day I stopped by the office to drop off donated supplies, and they asked if I wanted to interview right then for the office manager position that I had previously applied for,” Mize said.
“It’s a story I still laugh about today.”
United Way will also host its inaugural Dolly Parton Imagination Library Graduation Party Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Depot Park.
The event will recognize local children who are turning 5 and graduating from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library as they prepare to enter kindergarten.
Families may attend activities, learn more about the Imagination Library and speak with United Way staff about the program. School supplies will also be collected during the event.
“It’s another great opportunity for the community to support local students while celebrating our youngest readers,” Mize said.
For more information or to make a donation, visit United Way of Cullman County on Facebook or at www.uwaycc.org, or call 256-739-2948.
Drop-off locations include the Cullman Electric Cooperative, Cullman Police Department, EvaBank (Hwy. 157 and Cherokee Avenue) and all Cullman-area Premier Bank of the South locations.
