2025 Fill the Bus

Join the United Way of Fort Smith Area for their 21st Annual Fill the Bus event on July 25th and 26th!

(FORT SMITH, AR – May 28, 2025) - Each July, a remarkable initiative unfolds in the Fort Smith area, transforming the community's collective goodwill into tangible support for students throughout the region. The annual "Fill the Bus" campaign, organized by the United Way of Fort Smith Area, exemplifies the power of community spirit.

This event, now a cornerstone of the summer calendar, draws volunteers and donors from diverse backgrounds, united by a common goal: to ensure every child begins the school year equipped with the necessary tools for success. In its first twenty years, Fill the Bus has successfully collected nearly half a million packages of school supplies for children across the United Way's six-county service area.

Preparation for the Fill the Bus event begins months in advance, with United Way staff collaborating closely with local businesses, schools, and volunteers. The campaign is anchored by a simple yet effective concept: positioning bright yellow school buses at thirteen Walmart stores within the six-county area, inviting shoppers to donate school supplies for local students.

Your participation will be crucial in helping us fulfill our mission and create a positive impact in our community. Don’t wait—grab a friend or two, get involved and make a difference! Sign up now and choose your desired time and location!

On the event days, the atmosphere is electric. From high school students fulfilling community service requirements to retirees eager to give back, volunteers adorned in vibrant United Way Fill the Bus T-shirts greet participants with warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude. The community's response is truly inspiring, as families, individuals, and local businesses come together, driven by a shared belief in the significance of education and equal opportunity. The collected items are sorted and distributed to local schools, ensuring they reach students in need.

Moreover, the event serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges many families face. For some, even acquiring basic school supplies can pose a financial burden. By alleviating this pressure, Fill the Bus enables children to enter classrooms with dignity and confidence, allowing them to focus on learning rather than worrying about lacking essential supplies. The Fill the Bus event not only provides material support but also fosters a sense of connection and shared purpose. It serves as a reminder that by collaborating, community members can create a brighter future.

Through initiatives like Fill the Bus, the United Way of Fort Smith Area addresses immediate needs while also laying the groundwork for lasting community resilience.

The United Way of Fort Smith Area has served individuals and families in Crawford, Franklin, Logan, and Sebastian counties in Arkansas and LeFlore and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma since 1928. To learn more, find us on the web at unitedwayfortsmith.org, on Facebook at United Way of Fort Smith, or on Instagram @unitedwayfsa.

Contact Marketing Director Mitzy Little at mlittle@unitedwayfortsmith.org for more information.