Load the Bus campaign invites Roanoke community to help provide school supplies for kids

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke County Public Schools, Roanoke City Public Schools, Salem City Public Schools, and Craig County Schools are teaming up with Walmart stores across the Roanoke area for the annual Load the Bus for Kids! campaign. This school supply drive is aimed at collecting essential back-to-school items for students in need throughout the Roanoke Valley.

The event will run now through Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend, August 1-3, giving local residents a chance to donate supplies or funds to help children start the school year with confidence.

Donation Details and Locations

School buses will be parked outside Walmart locations in Bonsack, Clearbrook, Salem, and Valley View during the following times:

• Friday, August 1: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Saturday, August 2: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Sunday, August 3: Noon – 5 p.m.

Volunteers will be on hand to collect school supplies at store entrances, registers, and designated bins placed throughout each store. Monetary donations are also welcomed, and all funds raised will go directly toward purchasing additional school supplies for students in need.

What Items Are Needed?

The campaign is asking for a variety of essential school supplies, including backpacks, glue sticks, notebooks, 3-ring binders, crayons, colored pencils, notebook paper (college and wide-ruled), pens, pencils, highlighters, rulers, folders, scissors, and construction paper.

Additionally, classroom items such as tissues, hand sanitizer, printer paper, dry erase markers, and more are in demand to help teachers create fully stocked learning environments.

“Each year, thousands of families across the Roanoke Valley struggle to provide the supplies their children need to be successful in the classroom,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely. “The school divisions in the Roanoke Valley and beyond are coming together to support our students, and we need your help. Every single donation will help students learn and achieve, giving these students confidence in their learning and preparing them to be Opportunity Ready,” Dr. Nicely added.

Roanoke City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Verletta White also emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “Each year, our community steps up to make sure students have the tools they need for a strong start. Load the Bus reflects our shared commitment across the Roanoke Valley to lift up every student and support them by name, need, and strength.”

With thousands of local students relying on community generosity, the Load the Bus initiative offers everyone a chance to make a meaningful difference. Whether you drop off a backpack, a box of crayons, or contribute a few dollars, every act of giving helps ensure Roanoke Valley children walk into their classrooms prepared and confident for the year ahead.