As part of the annual Founder’s Week on campus, the Bucs Stuff the Bus school supply drive aims to help local students in need.  

The initiative began on Sept. 16 and will run through Oct.12. Department and student organizations are encouraged to request a donation box, which will be delivered and picked up. The boxes contain a list of needed items including organizational supplies, classroom essentials and technology.  

Three counties will be served: Hawkins County, Carter County and Sevier County. “We wanted to focus on three particular counties where we know there’s a great need among the young people there,” said Leah Adinolfi, dean of student engagement and director of assessment, division of student life and enrollment.  

The supplies donated will go directly to schools within the counties. “This helps take the burden off of teachers themselves in a lot of cases, but also it allows students to have exactly what they need to be successful in the classroom,” said Adinolfi.

(Dora Mercado/East Tennessean)

The drive has been successful with numerous departments and student groups requesting boxes. “We’ve had great participation so far,” said Adinolfi. “I’m excited to see what we end up getting in the end.” 

This year’s Founder’s Week will focus on the university’s beginning as a teaching college. Adinolfi shared that the initiative fits the principles on which ETSU was founded. “It’s all about our commitment to improving lives in the region,” said Adinolfi.  

Organizations that wish to participate in Bucs Stuff the Bus can visit the drive’s website to fill out a box request form and check out the wish list. Anyone not part of an organization who wishes to contribute can donate to the box set up by the Information Station on the first floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center or on Oct. 12 at the ETSU vs Samford game tailgate.

Author