A pair of big, yellow buses has taken over some St. Michael and Albertville business parking lots recently, and not for the reason you might think.
Oh, sure, our friends at Don’s Bus Service could use new drivers, but this campaign is “for the kids!”
Shop STMA is teaming up with St. Michael-Albertville School District to provide thousands of dollars in school supplies for students who need some assistance getting ready to head “Back to School” in September. The partnership, spearheaded by Mad Monkey Media, FYCC, North Wright County Today and dozens of others in the Shop STMA organization, is targeting the more than 750 students who receive financial assistance via the school district’s food program, known statewide as FRP, or “Free/Reduced Price meals.”
The Stuff the Bus campaign has hit STMA.
“In some areas, entire districts are able to send their kids back-to-school via the Stuff the Bus Campaign with full backpacks,” said Mike Schoemer, owner and editor of North Wright County Today. “We’re starting here with those that need it the most. And the response from local businesses around St. Michael and Albertville has been outstanding. I can’t wait to see where this program grows in the future.”
Business can still donate by contacting Shop STMA by emailing nwctnews@gmail.com today.
Thus far, more than $8,000 has been raised. And Shop STMA and other sponsors of Stuff the Bus are hoping St. Michael-Albertville School District residents can pitch in so even more notebooks, folders, pens and pencils can be donated to local kids.
“Anytime through August 15th, you are welcome to provide a donation via cash or check (made out to Shop STMA) and drop it off at one of our drop sites which are Financial Security Bank and FYCC in Albertville, as well asMidwestOne Bank and Community Development Bank in St. Michael,” said Eric Carlson, owner and founder of Mad Monkey Media in St. Michael. “We’re so happy with the support of our local businesses, but with the help of our residents we can do even more for these kids and families.”
NWCT and the rest of the Stuff the Bus organizers want to say “Thank you” to our business sponsors that helped raise over $8,000 towards this project already!
Community Developement Bank
Mad Monkey Media (who donated the banners as well!)
FYCC
North Wright County Today
Precision Auto Repair (who donated twice the asking donation!)
Financial Security Bank
Edward Jones – Jeff Raiche with Albertville & Matt Kruse with St. Michael
Mathnasium of St Michael
Dunn Brothers Coffee
Liberty Restaurant and Bar & American Legion Post 567
Solutions Counseling
Gries Lenhardt Allen, PLLP
MidWestOne Bank of St. Michael
St. Michael-Albertville Women of Today
Derek Brant – State Farm Agent
Albertville Lions Club
Coborn’s of Albertville
Dehmer’s Meats
Peggy Schumm CPA in St. Michael
Ashworth Real Estate
Hardware Hank
HealthSource Chiropractic of Albertville
Millennium Dance Company of Albertville
Allina Health of St. Michael
B&D Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning