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Every child deserves to start the school year ready to learn, equipped with the supplies they need to succeed. Unfortunately, many students in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties face challenges simply because they lack basic school supplies. This is where Stuff the Bus 2026 steps in—a community-driven effort to ensure every student walks into their classroom confident and prepared.
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Cat Country 98.7 teams up with United Way of West Florida, WEAR News, the Pensacola News Journal, and both the Escambia County and Santa Rosa County School Districts to collect school supplies for thousands of local children. This event is the only school supply drive officially supported by both school districts, making it a vital resource for families in the area.
Why Stuff the Bus Matters
Starting school without the right supplies can affect a child’s confidence and ability to focus. When students have what they need, they feel valued and ready to engage in learning. Stuff the Bus helps bridge the gap for families who might struggle to afford these essentials.
Thousands of students in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties benefit from this event every year. By donating supplies or funds, you directly support local children and help create a positive start to their academic year.
When and Where to Donate
The event takes place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed at several Walmart locations across the counties, ready to collect your donations.
Here are the Walmart stores where you can drop off supplies:
Pensacola – Mobile Highway
Pensacola – Blue Angel Parkway
Pensacola – Creighton Road
Milton / Pea Ridge – Highway 90 (Cat Country location, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Gulf Breeze – Gulf Breeze Parkway
Navarre – Navarre Parkway
Look for volunteers wearing Cat Country and United Way gear to make sure you’re in the right place.
What Supplies Are Most Needed
You can bring a single item or fill an entire shopping cart. The most-needed supplies include:
Crayons
#2 Pencils
Glue Sticks
Scissors
Folders
Spiral and Composition Notebooks
Dry Erase Markers
Colored Pencils
Highlighters
Paper
3-Ring Binders
Pencil Boxes
Basic Calculators
Earbuds/Headphones
These items help students across all grade levels, from elementary to high school.
How to Help If You Can’t Attend
If you’re unable to donate supplies in person, you can still support Stuff the Bus by making a secure monetary donation. Every dollar goes directly to purchasing school supplies for students in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Monetary donations allow organizers to buy exactly what’s needed and fill gaps in supply.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play a crucial role in making Stuff the Bus a success. If you want to get involved, you can register to help with collecting, sorting, and distributing supplies. Volunteering is a great way to give back and see the impact of your efforts firsthand.
Visit the official volunteer registration page to sign up and learn more about available roles.
Stay Connected with Cat Country 98.7
Leading up to the event, Cat Country 98.7 will provide live broadcasts, updates, and ways to get involved. Tune in to hear stories from local families, learn about the impact of your donations, and find out how you can help kids start school ready for success.
Make a Difference One Backpack at a Time
Stuff the Bus 2026 is more than a school supply drive—it’s a community coming together to support its children. When you donate supplies, money, or time, you help build confidence and opportunity for thousands of students. Together, we can make sure every child in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties has what they need to thrive this school year.
Mark your calendar for July 23, 2026, and join us in Stuffing the Bus. Your support changes lives and helps create a stronger, more prepared community.
For more details, including the full supply list and volunteer registration, visit the official Stuff the Bus 2026 event page.