LARNED — United Way of Central Kansas is inviting the community to help local students start the school year prepared by participating in the Stuff the Bus school supply drive from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13.

Community members can donate new school supplies at two collection sites in Larned: Dollar General and Dillons.

For those unable to attend the event, donation boxes are already available at Dollar General, Dillons, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and the Pawnee County Health Department.

All school supplies collected will stay in Pawnee County and be distributed directly to students through Fort Larned USD 495 and Pawnee Heights USD 496, helping ensure local children have the tools they need for a successful school year.

In addition to school supplies, monetary donations are also appreciated. Cash gifts will be used to help reduce or eliminate outstanding student lunch balances for local families. Donations can be made online at www.uwck.org/donate by selecting or noting “Pawnee County Stuff the Bus.”

Nearly 46% of Pawnee County households are living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold or in poverty. While many families are working hard, the cost of back-to-school supplies and school meals can create significant financial challenges. Community support helps remove those barriers so every child has the opportunity to begin the school year ready to learn.

Whether it’s a package of pencils, a box of crayons, a notebook, or a financial contribution, every donation makes a difference for local students.

For more information about the Pawnee County Stuff the Bus drive or other United Way of Central Kansas programs, visit www.uwck.org or contact the United Way office at 620-792-2403.