HELENA — The Angel Fund of Helena gives students school supplies every year in their Stuff The Bus Campaign. However, with the pandemic, there are a few changes to the annual campaign.
"This year, instead of collecting school supplies, we're collecting money and the schools have actually asked for grants and they're going to buy the supplies to try to keep everybody safe through COVID,” says Mary Anderson, the Chair of the Stuff the Bus Campaign.
Many schools have already submitted a grant application. The last day to submit is August 1st, 2020. The Angel Fund estimates they will need $40,000 for Helena-area schools to buy school supplies.
"People are donating, but we know that needing $40,000, we're going to need community support," says Anderson.
Capitol City Health Club is one location to support the Stuff The Bus Campaign. However, because of the pandemic, supplies will not be accepted, only monetary donations.
The Valley Bank of Helena have set up a Stuff The Bus Campaign account for anyone who wishes to donate. The Angel Fund says the bank will match any contributions. Power Townsend is also supporting the campaign by being the only business willing to accept school supplies instead of money. All supplies will be cleaned by the Angel Fund before delivering the items to students.
"There's many needy kids in Helena and this gives them brand new backpacks and brand new school supplies to start the year with, and they feel better about it. That's our future, you want to get them educated and ready to go," says Mike Wall, Power Townsend President.
The last day to donate to the campaign is August 7th, 2020. You can also donate directly to Angel Fund of Helena on their website.
