by Chloie Dale
Volunteer Events Intern
On Saturday August 27, about 500 individuals, families, and employees spent their morning at the Rio Tinto soccer stadium. But they weren’t there to support the soccer team, this time they were there to support our local students. About 11,000 of them to be exact!
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with the United Way of Salt Lake, and aid in planning Stuff the Bus. Thanks to the wonderful people within the organization, I was able to plan my first major event with little stress.
Individuals and organizations have been gearing up for Stuff the Bus for months, and on Saturday all of their efforts were seen through.
Now it is time for some major THANKS!
Thank you to the 75 registered supply drive hosts for providing supplies for 11,000 kids. Thank you to the 100 volunteers who counted and sorted the school supplies. Thank you to the 500 volunteers that showed up at the event and stuffed backpacks. Thank you to our generous sponsor Sinclair for donating thousands of school supplies. Thank you to our staff members who took time out of their Saturday to help. Thank you to the activities and agencies who showed up ready to inform, and entertain the volunteers. And finally, thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible.
This year, we had so many families come and volunteer, and the America First Pavilion was packed with activities, music, and special guests. Special guests ranging from boy scouts to pageant queens, from parents, teachers, and volunteers who could lift 50 stuffed backpacks at a time — and even the Special Olympics soccer team, Leo the Lion, and RSL star Jordan Allen. And, because we had this stellar crowd, it only took two hours to stuff the backpacks — a new record.
And once all the hard-work was finished and the sweat was dried, R&R BBQ pit masters came to the rescue to feed everyone!
Sometimes families have to choose between food or folders. But because all of these people cared about their community, some families didn’t have to make that choice today. This internship has been rewarding in more ways than one, and I am proud to have been a part of this team!
Thank you for an amazing Stuff the Bus!
