The Frederick County community is once again coming together to help ensure students begin the school year equipped and ready to learn through the 18th annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive.
In partnership with United Way of Frederick County, local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and residents, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is collecting new school supplies to help prepare students for a successful start to the 2026-2027 school year. The annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive began in June and will run through Monday, August 3.
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unused school supplies at more than 100 collection sites throughout Frederick County. Donations may also be dropped off at the FCPS Central Office, 191 S. East Street in Frederick, Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., or at the United Way of Frederick County office located in the Bernard W. Brown Community Center, 629 N. Market Street in Frederick. A complete list of collection sites and the most-needed school supplies is available online at https://www.unitedwayfrederick.org/stuffthebus.
While all new school supplies are appreciated, items in greatest demand include sturdy backpacks, composition books, plastic two-pocket folders, pencil boxes, earbuds with microphones, dry erase markers, glue sticks, rulers, safety scissors, pens and pencils, highlighters, erasers, and boxes of tissues.
On Monday, August 3, FCPS school buses will travel throughout the county to collect donated supplies from participating businesses and organizations. Volunteers and community partners will then sort and distribute the donations to schools and community agencies across the county, helping ensure students have the tools they need before the first day of school.
Families seeking school supplies are encouraged to contact their child’s school for information about distribution opportunities.
Last year, the Frederick County community filled more than 280 collection bins at over 120 collection sites, providing school supplies to over 4,500 FCPS students.