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Local Clubs And Businesses 'Stuff the Bus' With Back-to-School Supplies

Photo provided by the Greater Brandon Kiwanis Club

Members of the Greater Brandon Kiwanis Club are inviting members of the community to help "Stuff the Bus" with school supplies for children who can't afford them.

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News Report

Published: July 28, 2008

BRANDON - The Kiwanis clubs of Brandon and Sun City Center kicked off their first "Stuff the Bus" campaigns by delivering boxes to area businesses for the collection of school supplies.

On Aug 7, residents and business people are invited bring their donated school supplies to Kmart on State Road 60 and Lakewood Drive and literally "stuff" a bus with the school supplies.

Once the bus is filled, the supplies will be distributed to Brandon and South Shore schools and given to students most in need.

" 'Stuff the Bus will be a welcome relief to administration, educators and countless families touched by the great support of our community,' " said Dustie Amatangelo, president of the Greater Brandon Kiwanis Club. "Providing these necessary school supplies will allow teachers to focus on teaching during the first few days of school, rather than trying to help the students find the basic supplies."

Supplies being collected include notebook paper, (wide and college rule), spiral notebooks, No. 2 pencils, pens, crayons, scissors (blunt and regular), glue, colored pencils, rulers, composition books, protractors, pocket folders, pocket folders with clasps, and backpacks (small and large) as well as teaching supplies such as dry eraser markers, color pens, copy paper, markers and reward stickers.

"Parents usually need to spend approximately $100 per child on back-to-school supplies," said Seel Lundy, president of the Kiwanis Club of Sun City Center. "Teachers report that some students don't show up the first few days of school because they don't have the supplies expected of them."

Oftentimes, he said, teachers end up making up the difference, spending their own money to purchase supplies for students and their classrooms.

"Any level of contribution is appreciated and will allow us to help the families who need it most," said Amatangelo.

The Kiwanis clubs invite the community to support this campaign through monetary donations or by dropping off supplies at a collection box. Drop boxes are located at:
The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce office on Pauls Drive
Kmart on State Road 60
Music Showcase on Oakfield Drive
Local Beef O' Brady's restaurants.
Additional drop box locations can be found by visiting www.brandonkiwanis.com.

The Greater Brandon Kiwanis Club, in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Health and Social Services Department and the county's Back-to-School Coalition, also is planning its third annual health fair at Mintz Elementary School, 1510 Heather Lakes Blvd., Brandon, Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
School-age children will receive free immunizations and physicals needed for entering a Florida school for the first time. These do not include sports or child-care physicals. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child at all times. Last year the event served more than 250 children.

Call (813) 870-4747.

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