OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Community members will have an opportunity to help local students prepare for the new school year when the annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive returns on Saturday, August 1.
The event is organized by the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation in partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and The Salvation Army Florida Division–Fort Walton Beach Corps. Volunteers will collect donations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart stores in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville.
Held during Florida’s back-to-school tax-free month, the event encourages shoppers to purchase school supplies and donate them before leaving the store. Organizers say the supplies collected will help students and families across Okaloosa County who may struggle to afford essential classroom materials.
“Stuff the Bus is a wonderful example of our community coming together to support students and families,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Every notebook, backpack, and box of crayons donated helps remove barriers to learning and gives students the confidence to start the school year successfully.”
In addition to the Walmart collection sites, donation boxes will be placed at participating businesses throughout the county. School district officials said additional collection locations will be announced through district communication channels as they are confirmed.
Businesses and organizations interested in becoming collection sites can contact Debbie Tate at (850) 974-0742 or tated@okaloosaschools.com.
The annual campaign has become a community-wide effort involving local businesses, nonprofit organizations, volunteers and residents. Each year, thousands of donated school supplies are distributed to students in need throughout Okaloosa County.
Residents seeking updated information about donation locations and needed supplies can visit the Okaloosa County School District’s Stuff the Bus webpage or follow the district’s social media accounts.
The 2026-27 school year begins later this summer, and organizers hope community support will help ensure every student starts the year with the tools needed to succeed in the classroom.
