Annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ School Supply Drive returns in Okaloosa County

In Brief:

🎒 The annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive will take place Aug. 2 at Walmart stores in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville.
🤝 Donations benefit Okaloosa County students in need through a partnership with local organizations.
📦 Additional donation drop-off sites will be announced ahead of the school year on the district’s website and Facebook page.

The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation has announced its annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, set for Saturday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart locations in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville.

The event, held during Florida’s Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend, invites families and community members to donate school supplies while shopping for their own back-to-school needs. All donations will benefit students in need throughout the Okaloosa County School District.

In addition to the one-day drive, donation boxes will be placed at businesses across the county in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. A full list of confirmed drop-off sites will be posted on the Okaloosa County School District website and Facebook page.

This year’s drive is a partnership between the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the Okaloosa County School District and the Salvation Army Florida Division — Fort Walton Beach Corps.

“We are grateful for our community’s ongoing support,” said Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation Executive Director John Spolski in a prepared statement. “Together, we can make sure every student starts the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.”

For more information, visit okaloosaschools.com/page/stuff-the-bus. Businesses interested in becoming a collection site can contact Debbie Tate at (850) 974-0742 or tated@okaloosaschools.com.