Officials collecting school supplies for this year’s Stillwater area “Stuff the Bus” campaign want to pack 775 backpacks in the next few weeks.

The campaign will ensure that students who live in the Stillwater Area School District “are equipped with all the essential tools they need to start the year off strong,” officials with the United Way of Washington County-East said.

Families in need can register online through July 24. The registration form – available in English, Spanish and Hmong – will request the name of the school that each child will attend and the grade they are entering, along with their favorite color, character, action figure or animal.

Proof of address is required for registration. A document showing the current address, such as a utility bill, paycheck stub or bank statement, must be dated within 60 days, officials said.

Backpacks will be distributed Aug. 6-8 at Oak Park Elementary in Stillwater and on Aug. 7 at Brookview Elementary in Woodbury.

The cost of school supplies has continued to rise over the years, said Nate Cox, activities director of Stillwater Area Public Schools. “We have many students and parents who need the community to come alongside them to provide the tools needed in the classroom.”

Donations can be dropped through July 23 at different sites throughout the district; volunteers also are needed to help sort supplies, “stuff” the backpacks and help with distribution.

For information on grade-specific school supplies that are needed and to see a map of the local collection sites, go to www.uwwce.org/stuff-the-bus. To volunteer or for more information, contact Erin McQuay at erin.mcquay@uwwce.org.

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