Stuff the Bus

We believe every child deserves to be (and feel!) ready for school

Almost five thousand Addison County children will begin a new school year this August. Soon, school supply lists will be sent out, and families will begin purchasing notebooks, binders, crayons, and pencils for their students. 

For some families, shopping for school supplies is a fun end-of-summer event. However, it proves to be a financial burden for too many families in Addison County. According to the 2024 Vermont Basic Needs Budget and Livable Wage Report, a family of four needs over $104,000 annually to meet basic needs. 

This year's goal is to purchase and stuff 500 new school supply backpacks! Based on data from the VT Department of Children & Families (DCF), Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects (HOPE), John Graham Housing and Shelter (JGS), and county teen centers, we know the need for basic necessities exists for all students across Addison County. We hope we can count on you to help kids who need extra support to start the school year on the right foot.

If you have questions about Stuff the Bus or want to help, please email Amy Hoekstra.

Click Here to Donate

Backpack distribution sites

Backpacks will be available in mid-late August. We recommend calling ahead to check the availability of backpacks. Special thanks to our distribution sites:

MAUSD
Bristol Hub, Bristol (802-453-3678)
New Haven Community Library, New Haven (802-453-4015)
St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Bristol (802-453-5218)
Starksboro Public Library, Starksboro (802-453-3732)

ACSD
CVOEO, Middlebury (802-388-2285)
HOPE, Middlebury (802-388-3608)
Middlebury Union Middle School, Middlebury (802-382-1600)
United Way of Addison County, Middlebury (802-388-7189)
Vermont DCF, Middlebury (802-388-4660)

ANWSD
John Graham Shelter, Vergennes (802-877-2677)
Vergennes Congregational Church, Vergennes (802-877-2435)
Victory Baptist Church, Vergennes (802-877-3393)