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 for the second straight year with the 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.”
Thus far, more than $5,000 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.
Now, residents can help by chipping in on the program’s “Go Fund Me” site. That can be found here:
“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.”
Year two has included a focus on making the fundraiser a summer staple – including a presence in the St. Michael Daze and Knights Parade.
“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,” said fellow organizer Eric Carlson, owner and founder of Mad Monkey Media.
THANK YOU to the following sponsors:
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc – Bobby Swoboda
B&D Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Community Development Bank
Dehmer’s Meats
Derek Brant, State Farm Agent
Dunn Bros Coffee of St. Michael
Edward Jones – Jeff Raiche of the Albertville Office
Edward Jones – Matt Kruse of the St. Michael Office
Financial Security Bank
FYCC
Hardware Hank
Healthsource of Albertville
Mad Monkey Media
Mathnasium of St. Michael
MidWestOne Bank
Millennium Dance Company
North Wright County Today
Peggy Schumm, CPA, Ltd.
Precision Auto
St. Michael Lions Club