Caribbean Alliance Insurance is proud to announce that the insurance provider has kicked off its annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive to help gather school supplies for students returning to classes in August.

The motor and home Insurance company recognizes how stretched some of Cayman’s schools, teachers and students are and that the funds to provide some of the basic tools are not always available; which is why the insurance provider is committed to spearheading this initiative each year.

The goal of the community drive is to literally stuff a big yellow school bus full of donations such as backpacks, notebooks, crayons, pens and pencils. All donated school supplies will be presented to the Department of Children and Family Services, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Special Needs Foundation for use by children most in need.

“The start of the school year is a time when students need school supplies. If we work together as a community, we can greatly reduce the number of local families who have to send their children to school without the tools they need to succeed” commented Aleisha Lalor, Cayman Islands Branch Manager of Caribbean Alliance Insurance.

Last year, the Stuff the Bus Campaign secured more than 500 items which were all distributed to Department of Children and Family Services, Cayman Islands Cancer Society, Special Needs Foundation and the Needs Assessment Unit for use by children across Grand Cayman – this year, the hope is to exceed that goal.

The donation drive 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 Hurley’s Supermarket, Cost-U-Less, Lee’s Office Supplies, Office Supply or Caribbean Alliance Office at 203 Alissta Towers.

The following supplies are being collected and every little bit counts:
* Pencil pouches
* Pencil erasers
* #2 pencils
* Short-length school scissors
* Blue or black pens
* Glue sticks
* 24-packs of crayons
* Wide-rule single-subject notebooks
* Markers
* 150-page wide-rule packs of loose leaf paper
* 12-packs of colored pencils
* Pocket folders

In addition to school supplies, you can donate your new or gently used children’s books of appropriate topics for local kids, or purchase books and school supplies at the various retail stores. These books will be donated to local school libraries and classrooms to expand their collection.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to give back to our children,” said Ms. Lalor. “As corporate citizens we recognize the importance of early education for all children, regardless of their economic status, and Caribbean Alliance is pleased to spearhead this project alongside our local business partners.”

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