Stuff the Bus
10,000+ Students Are Ready to Learn
For 16 years, United Way of Salt Lake’s Stuff the Bus campaign has rallied volunteers and resources to provide backpacks and school supplies for thousands of Utah students. One of our signature Year of Action events, Stuff the Bus ensures the kids in our community can start the new school year equipped with the tools they need to feel confident and ready to learn.
This year, we fulfilled a record number of requests—almost 40% more supplies requested than last year—from schools and youth-serving organizations to help meet the growing need. Thank you to the generous sponsors, supply drive hosts, donors, and volunteers who made Stuff the Bus 2026 such a huge success! Read more about the impact of Stuff the Bus 2026 in our most recent blog.
Stuff the Bus 2026 By the Numbers
This year’s Stuff the Bus campaign made a record impact for local students:
Here’s a breakdown of school supplies distributed to students through Stuff the Bus:
Volunteer Testimonials
“The United Way of Salt Lake helps create and drive systems that support lasting change for children and families. That work is only possible because our community continues to invest in the success and well-being of local children and families. Stuff the Bus is one important part of a much larger effort to help students start the school year prepared and positioned for success. It’s an initiative that resonates with many people because they can see firsthand the impact their contributions have on local students and the incredible work being done throughout our community.”
– Brian McCallion, Managing Director of Goldman Sachs and United Way of Salt Lake Board Chair
“Chevron really believes in setting students up for success through initiatives like Stuff the Bus because removing any type of barrier, whether that’s not having enough school supplies or materials that they need, is super important so that they feel like they belong in the school, they have what they need, and they don’t have to worry about that extra step. And that also frees the teachers up as well to focus on the learning and the teaching itself.”
– Arikka Von, Corporate Affairs Advisor at Chevron
– David Stahl, United Way of Salt Lake Board Member and Head of Business Banking at NBH Bank
– Michelle, Stuff the Bus Volunteer from WCF Insurance
Stuff the Bus Media Coverage
Check out the news stories and media coverage of this year’s Stuff the Bus campaign.
How You Can Help
Donate
We have a fundraising goal of $75,000 which will be used to purchase school supplies and backpacks for students. With direct donations, UWSL can maximize your impact by ordering the most needed school supplies in bulk.
Host a Supply Drive
Now through July 29, get your friends, families, or office together to collect school supplies for kids! Register today and we will send you all the details to make hosting a supply drive easy. We can even create custom fundraising pages for your company or community group.
Volunteer
Sign up to count and sort donated school supplies or help us stuff backpacks with supplies. With your help, we will make sure thousands of backpacks are stocked and ready for distribution to schools and nonprofits across the valley. Stuff the Bus volunteer registration will open June 25!
Spread the Word
Spread the word about the impact your support is making for Utah students and families. Share our fundraising link or post about your own supply drive. Make sure you’re following United Way of Salt Lake on social media and don’t forget to tag us in your posts!
2025 Stuff the Bus Events Timeline
Supply Drives | Now through July 29
Counting & Sorting Volunteer Shifts | July 29 – 30
Backpack Stuffing | July 31
Pick-Up & Delivery Support | August 1
Get Involved
Although Stuff the Bus is over for this year, contact Roni Scheidler at veronica.scheidler@uw.org to find out how you can support next year’s Stuff the Bus campaign or get involved with other volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Thanks to Our Generous Supporters
Presenting Sponsors
Education Partners
Adopt-a-School Partners
