Copperas Cove ISD hosting 4th annual Stuff the Bus event

Special to Leader-Press 

Fifty-eight percent of Copperas Cove ISD students qualify for the free and reduced meal program. Many of these students’ families may find it challenging to afford school supplies. Two community entities have partnered to ensure no child lacks school supplies when class is back in session on August 15th.
The Copperas Cove Wal-Mart and Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans host the 4th Annual Stuff the Bus event Aug. 10-12, taking advantage of the boost of sales expected during tax-free weekend when no tax is charged on school-related items.
Wal-Mart Manager Tania Culpepper says the Copperas Cove Walmart has been a part of the Stuff the Bus event from the beginning, and it’s something the associates look forward to each year.
“We believe in investing in our children we serve. We owe it to our children and families during this time of the year when things can get hectic getting the students prepared for all their needs,” Culpepper said. “Many families may be struggling and unable to provide the basic school supplies their children need to be successful in the classroom.” 
CCISD will once again provide its blue activity bus that donors can load up with school supplies which will be distributed to at-risk students through the Communities in Schools Program. 
Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans Founder Jonathan Haywood said his organization got involved because members want to ensure that CCISD students’ needs are met.
“The children in our community deserve to go to school happy. Sometimes, kids can be cruel to those that do not have things,” Haywood said. “Providing the supplies enables these children to learn. There are a lot of folks out there that just do not have the means to provide what is needed. Their pride won’t let them ask for help. But, if the help is already there, they can put their pride aside and just love their kids and send them to school.”
Wal-Mart will be donating the first $1,000 in school supplies on to the bus to kick-off the collection drive. Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans will provide a concession stand that will accept donations with all proceeds going to purchase school supplies to put on the bus. 
Culpepper said Wal-Mart enjoys partnering with VHV and CCISD because they are both professional entities what have a broad knowledge of who really needs help in the community.
“Schools across the country are facing severe budget cuts and lack the funding to purchase necessary supplies,” Culpepper said. “This is when we can be a helping hand and come together as a community and take care of our families.”