Greater Ottawa County United Way is proud to announce that $25,130 worth of school supplies and backpacks were collected and distributed during the annual Stuff the Bus School Supply & Backpack Drive, which took place from July 23 – August 6 throughout Ottawa County. Public donations were accepted at Fifth Third Bank locations in Ottawa County, Loutit District Library, the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and at the WHTC/The Van Radio Station. Donations can still be made by texting BUS to 30306.
Additionally, companies hosting in-house Stuff the Bus drives included: Automatic Spring Products, Bekins, Catholic Charities West Michigan, City of Grand Haven, Civic Center Place, Community Mental Health, Consumers Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Flex, Grand Haven Custom Molding, Greater Ottawa County United Way, Haworth, Inc., Heartwood Lodge Nursing Home, ITW Drawform, L & W Engineering, Loutit District Library, Mercantile Bank, North Ottawa Community Health System, Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, PADNOS, Semco Energy, Tennant, The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg, Urgent Care, Weiss Chiropratic, WHTC Radio, Windmill Island Gardens and Woodward.
During the past couple of weeks, 475 backpacks full of school supplies were distributed to local students at the Grand Haven and Holland Salvation Army locations. VP of Volunteer Engagement Shannon LaHaie Behm said, “This year, the need was met for all families who applied for backpacks and school supplies. We would like to thank our partners and our community for their generous support in helping local kids start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.”