HELENA — The Angel Fund, a Helena non-profit that supports local students in need, has begun its 19th annual Stuff the Bus fundraiser.
This year, instead of asking the community for physical school supplies, they are asking for monetary donations. The funds will go towards monetary grant assistance for Helena schools to purchase their school supplies based on individual needs.
The average annual cost of school supplies for elementary school children is $80-90, and between $100-150 for middle and high school students. To alleviate the financial burden on local families, the Angel Fund aims to support 1,400 students throughout the city by raising over $60,000.
Angel Fund’s Executive Director, Janet Riis, explained the impact on students, “They’re just so excited to come and show their teachers what they bought and what they got. They’re just so proud, and that’s the best, because nobody knows any different. But, it levels the playing field for our students, and that’s amazing.”
The Stuff the Bus campaign will run all summer, ending on August 1st. The grants will be distributed to Helena schools the week of August 4th.
If your child is in need of school supplies for the upcoming school year, contact their school the week before classes begin to coordinate.
To support the campaign, you can donate online or by sending a check to Angel Fund, PO Box 7436, Helena, MT 59604. Please make out checks to the Angel Fund. People can also visit Valley Bank and make a deposit in the “Stuff the Bus” matched account.
