MARSHALL—The United Way of Southwest Minnesota is collecting new school supplies through July 26 to help local K-12 students start the school year prepared. The annual “Stuff the Bus” drive supports families by providing essential items that help students feel confident and ready to learn.

High-need items this year include cap erasers, dry-erase markers, folders, glue sticks, highlighters, Kleenex boxes, notebooks, pencils, and pink erasers.

Volunteers are needed to help sort and distribute supplies on August 1, 5, and 6. In 2024, the drive provided more than 60,000 supplies to nearly 4,000 students at 22 local schools.

Schools will handle distribution locally. Families needing supplies can contact their district beginning August 9.

Monetary donations are also welcome year-round and help purchase supplies at reduced bulk prices. To donate or volunteer, visit www.unitedwayswmn.org/STB.

Regional Drop-Off Sites:

  • BMO – Minneota, Ivanhoe

  • Citizens Alliance Bank – Granite Falls

  • First Independent Bank – Russell, Tyler, Ruthton, Balaton, Cottonwood, Hanley Falls, Wood Lake, Lucan, Hendricks

  • Johnson Memorial Health – Dawson

  • KJOE Radio – Slayton

  • Granite Falls Chamber – Granite Falls

  • Panka Insurance Agency – Ivanhoe

  • Pioneer PBS – Granite Falls

  • Sanford Medical – Canby, Tracy, Westbrook

  • SheBrews Coffee – Fulda

  • Minnwest Bank – Tracy

Marshall Drop-Off Sites:

  • BMO

  • First Independent Bank – Marshall

  • Karls

  • Kruse Motors

  • Lockwood Motors

  • Marshall-Lyon County Library

  • Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Menards

  • Minnwest Bank – Marshall

  • Reilly Home Team

  • SW/WC Service Cooperative

  • Tall Grass Liquor

  • United Way of Southwest Minnesota