It’s unfortunate, to say the least, that our students — and sometimes our teachers — do not have all the basic supplies they need. It is heart-warming and important, however, that the public step up to fill some gaps with materials for each school year.

The Stuff the Bus campaign has developed into a strong local tradition and tool for students. The annual event, which began in 2005, was spurred by local radio personality Tony Rose and a group of volunteers. It now works 12 months a year to provide school supplies and educational opportunities.

Stuff the Bus “has evolved from a four-day event and stunt to a 365-day a year foundation that strives to impact the lives of children through all of southcentral Kentucky,” according to the organization’s website, stuffthebusky.com.

Saturday’s signature event was scheduled near Crossroads IGA on Scottsville Road. Also, during July, there’s the Houchens Food Group “Summer of Giving” at participating IGAs, Crossroads, Crossroads Expresses, Price Less IGAs, Ace Hardware and Save A Lot stores.

For education, the Stuff the Bus Foundation of SOKY now has two sponsored scholarships — the Steve Meredith Stuff the Bus Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Bobby Hunton Stuff the Bus Scholarship Fund. 

The nonprofit’s Impact statement in part says: 

Donations can be made through the website, which also guides those interested in Stuff the Bus grants to “help in the funding of other local agencies in need that have the same core values as the Stuff the Bus Foundation.”

“Because we work directly with schools, classrooms, and teachers, along with Family Resource Centers to know the needs within individual schools, we can impact students quickly and efficiently, maximizing all of your donations.”

We encourage support for the organization, and we’re glad — and proud — this group of people and the community have spurred Stuff the Bus’ growth over the years.