Staff Council, Eagle Athletics Collect Donations for Stuff the Bus

Volunteers from the Texas A&M University-Texarkana Staff Council and Eagles Athletics collect donations Saturday for Stuff the Bus, a community service project of the United Way of Texarkana.

The Texas A&M University-Texarkana Staff Council and Eagles Athletics have joined forces to collect donations for Stuff the Bus, a community service program of the United Way of Greater Texarkana.

Members of the Staff Council, along with Coach Don Koontz, members of the Eagles soccer team and other community volunteers, braved the summer heat Saturday to collect school supplies and monetary donations at Sonic on Richmond Road in Texarkana, Texas.

Through Aug. 10, the Staff Council will be collecting school supplies  and backpacks in drop boxes near building elevators.

Last year, the United Way filled more than 1,600 backpacks for local schoolchildren. The goal for 2016 is 1,700 backpacks.

“Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it,” said Terrica Kirk, who serves on the United Way Board of Directors, adding that tax-free weekend will be a great opportunity to purchase supplies.

“We are asking you to help us fill those boxes completely. We want to show the community that A&M-Texarkana cares and surpass everyone’s expectations. Any school supplies and backpacks are appreciated.”

“Sometimes we never know when our neighbors may need help and those of us with children know how expensive those lists really can get. By teaming with Stuff the Bus, I think it gives us a chance to leave a more impactful mark locally that will also benefit us in the future. It is a win-win!”

For more information about Stuff the Bus, how to get involved and what schools are impacted, contact Kirk at Terrica.Kirk@tamut.edu.