Stuff the Bus, an annual community wide initiative, hosted by Caribbean Alliance Insurance kicked off last week with the aim of helping hundreds of students returning to classes at the end of this month.

The goal of the community drive is to fill a big yellow school bus full of donations with basic school supplies such as paper, crayons, scissors, pencils, pens, glue, markers, folders, erasers, as well as other items used in classrooms every day.

This is the second year that Caribbean Alliance has coordinated this event and last year, the back to school drive resulted in the collection of more than 500 items and backpacks filled with school supplies for students.

But in examining the level of the need across the island, the insurance provider knew that to make a real impact they would need additional support.

So in an effort to make Stuff the Bus as huge and successful as possible, Caribbean Alliance Insurance has partnered with Hurley’s Media Group this year to expand reach and make a bigger impact for kids returning to schools.

“This year, thanks to community minded individuals and a partnership with another business, our school supply drive is bigger and better than ever,” said Aleisha Lalor, Branch Manager of Caribbean Alliance Insurance. “Through our combined corporate efforts, Caribbean Alliance and Hurley’s Media hope to gift a large number of children with the tools and materials they need to start the school year off right.”

And to make an even wider impact the insurance provider is issuing a call to action for other local businesses to partner with Caribbean Alliance by coordinating internal donation drives with their staff members.

“By hosting an internal donation drive within a business and contributing to Stuff the Bus, business leaders can show our collective strength as corporate partners and investors in our community,” commented Ms. Lalor.

All donated school supplies will be presented to the Department of Children and Family Services, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Needs Assessment Unit for distribution to children most in need.

“This is a big project, and we are glad to partner with Caribbean Alliance on this campaign,” said Doug Dodds of Hurley’s Media Group (Rooster 101, Z99FM, Irie 98.9 and Bob 94.9FM). “When families are struggling, school supplies are not their top priority, even though they understand they are needed. We know that many teachers spend money out of their own pockets to supplement the needs of their students, just so kids can try to keep up with schoolwork. We are pleased to be able to contribute our time and efforts and help make a difference in our community.”

Stuff the Bus will run between August 1st and August 20th and anyone who wishes to purchase and donate supplies can do so by purchasing items and drop them off at boxes located at Cost-U-Less, Foster’s Food Fair IGA — Countryside, Lee’s Office Supplies, Office Supply, Hurley’s Media Group office or Caribbean Alliance office at 203 Alissta Towers.

For more information on “Stuff the Bus,” visit us on Facebook @StuffTheBusCayman   or contact Aleisha Lalor at [email protected] or 949-9744