Stuff the Bus
Donating school supplies to support children and families in our community
Support Local Students
Help Local Kids Start the School Year Strong
Every child deserves to walk into their first day of school with confidence—and that starts with having the right supplies.
For many families in Lake County, the cost of school supplies is a heavy burden. That’s where you can make a difference.
Through United Way of Lake County’s annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive, we’re working to ensure every child starts school with the tools they need to succeed.
Your support helps us fill backpacks with essential school supplies. The backpacks are then distributed through local organizations to students in need.
When a child has the right supplies, they can focus on what matters: learning, growing, and reaching their full potential.
Make an impact today!
United Way of Lake County is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
Of Students
in the following school districts live in low-income households: Beach Park, Fox Lake, Gurnee, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Zion.
(eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches, live in substitute care, or whose families receive public aid)
Illinois Report Card
Students
in the Waukegan and North Chicago school districts are experiencing homelessness.
(Illinois Report Card 2023-2024)
Illinois Report Card
Ways to Get Involved
DONATE SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Collect school supplies as an individual or a group to support local students!
Collect supplies and drop them off by August 1, 2026, at one of the collection sites listed below.
Please fill out our Interest Form to inform us that you want to participate, and we will email you all the information you need.
DONATE ONLINE
Each $40 donation will provide one local student with a backpack full of supplies. Learn more about giving options by clicking the "Donate" button.
Promotional Materials
ENGLISH
- Flyers (4 pages, 8.5″ x 11″)
- Posters (2 pages, 11″ x 17″)
- Monitor Graphic (16:9)
SPANISH
- Flyers (4 pages, 8.5″ x 11″)
- Posters (2 pages, 11″ x 17″)
- Monitor Graphic (16:9)
Collection Sites & Supply List
Basic Supply Wish List
- Backpacks – 17” plain, single or dual color
- Spiral notebooks, wide ruled
- 2-inch binders
- Folders with pockets
- Crayola crayons, 24 count
- Crayola markers, 10 count
- Highlighters, 2 pack
- Dry-erase markers, black
- Sharpened #2 pencils, 24 pack
- Pencil sharpeners with a shaving catcher
- Pencil pouches or cases
- Pink erasers, large
- Glue sticks, large
- Scissors, child-safe
- Sticky notes
- Index cards
- Stylus pens
- Earbuds/headphones
Collection Site
- United Way of Lake County – 330 S Greenleaf St, Gurnee
(Mon - Thurs, 9 am - 4 pm) - Gurnee Place Memory Care – 505 N. Hunt Club Rd, Gurnee
- RE/MAX Plaza — 5445 Grand Ave, Ste 200, Gurnee
(9:00 am - 4:30 pm)
Interest Form
Let us know that you want to get involved in Stuff the Bus!