As students across Logan County filled area classrooms in August, a generous donation was given to a local non-profit organization to directly support those in need.

Independence Bank President Chad Hall presented a $4,500 check to the Stuff the Bus Foundation which was created to help level the playing field for students spanning southern Kentucky. The funds will be shared between the city and county school systems.

“It’s often hard to imagine that a child in our community might be hungry, lack adequate clothing or be homeless,” Stuff The Bus Board Member and WRUS radio host Chris McGinnis reflected. “But those aren’t just big city problems, they exist right here in rural Kentucky. So, while the need will always exist, I am honored to work with a group of folks dedicated to offering solutions.”

Stuff the Bus of Southern Kentucky began in 2005 as a radio campaign. Bowling Green Morning Show Host Tony Rose declared that he would ‘live on a school bus until it was filled with supplies!’ Two busses were filled 100 sweaty hours later. Since then, the organization has grown into a full-fledged non-profit operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In addition to donating more than 150 tons of school supplies, Stuff the Bus provides approximately $50,000 annually in grants to teachers, 500 Thanksgiving meals during our Great Turkey Drop and has established two scholarships in honor of Board Members to WKU—through the College Heights Foundation.

“Stuff the Bus does a wonderful job of coordinating and cooperating with all parts of our communities,” Bank President Chad Hall shared. “By putting together small business owners, industries, and individuals—they have bridged the gap to the school’s resource officers and families in need. Knowing that our donation went back to this community and into the hands of the front-line workers is important to Independence Bank. They see the needs in real time and are best equipped to meet them.”

In a thank you letter to the Bank from the Stevenson Elementary School Family Resource Center; it was noted that 80% of its student population qualifies for free/reduced lunch services which may be indicative of the amount of kids who need more than just very basic supplies.

“We have found that once school supplies are in hand and basic clothing/hygiene needs are met, other unaddressed needs begin to come to the surface and can also be addressed,” Family Resource Coordinator Carol Kess said. “Being able to go ‘upstream’ to help our kids and their families is what FRYSC is all about — helping to remove non-cognitive berries to a child’s success.”

To get involved, donate or simply learn more about Stuff The Bus, visit: https://stuffthebusky.com/about-us/