More than 1700 needy students in Marion County will benefit from the ninth annual “Operation: Stuff the Bus” campaign, an outreach program co-sponsored by Marion County Public Schools, the Military Officers Association, Kingdom of the Sun Chapter and other veterans organizations

“Operation: Stuff the Bus” affords local residents the opportunity to make a true difference in a homeless child’s life by donating new school supplies, children and teen clothing, sneakers, personal hygiene items, and financial contributions. To date, the campaign has collected nearly $340,000 in donations and merchandise, which has been distributed through the school district’s Homeless Student program.

A decorated school bus with ample room to “stuff” donations inside will sit at local retail stores from 9am-5pm according to the following schedule:

Saturday, July 10, Kmart - SW 27th Avenue and Hwy 200

Saturday, July 17, Kmart - East Silver Springs Blvd.

Saturday, July 24, Kmart - Belleview on U.S. 441

Saturday, July 31, Wal-Mart - S.R. 200 (On Top of the World)

Saturday, August 7, Harley Davidson of Ocala - N. 441, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sunday, August 8, Meadowbrook Church - 4741 SW 20th St.

Tuesday, August 17, Super Tuesday (local government participation day) - Call Suzanne McGuire (352) 671-6847 for location.

Checks benefitting “Operation: Stuff the Bus” should be indicated as such and made payable to Operation: Stuff the Bus, c/o Homeless Children Program, Marion County Public Schools, 1517 SE 30 Ave. #5, Ocala, FL, 34471.

For more information, contact the school district’s Homeless Children Program at 352.671.6847 or via email at Suzanne.McGuire@marion.k12.fl.us.