MISSOULA — As families gear up to go back to school, the Southgate Mall is coordinating the third annual Stuff the Bus school supplies drive.
A school bus is parked right in the front entrance of the mall for people to drop off supplies. All of the supplies donated will go to Missoula County Public Schools.
Southgate Mall said it does this to give back to families in the community.
New this year is a place to donate money to MCPS if you don't have school supplies on hand while you're shopping.
Lauren Poppen said the hope is to provide backpacks, pencils and other supplies to kids in need. She said the donations grow every year, and she expects that to continue this year.
"It's been probably the weirdest year that students have ever experienced, and parents on top of that," Poppen said. "One thing that's come out of it is you've seen this community come together for causes. I think we'll see an increase this year."
The fundraiser will run through next Thursday, and Poppen said they may even extend it. You can drop off supplies any day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., or noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
