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Stuff the Bus 2026: Giving Students a Strong Start
Stuff the Bus works to make sure students in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have the tools they need to succeed in the upcoming school year. It’s the only school supply drive supported by both local school districts, making it a unique and powerful way to impact our community.
In partnership with the Escambia and Santa Rosa County School Districts, Cat Country 98.7, WEAR News, and the Pensacola News Journal, Stuff the Bus ensures thousands of children receive the school supplies they need to start the year prepared and confident.
Mark your calendars: STB 2026 is happening July 23rd!
This year, we’re working to beat last year’s total and make an even bigger impact for our students. We’re calling on our strong community and local businesses to help raise funds, donate supplies, and volunteer so every student can start the school year ready to succeed.
2025 Impact Highlights:
- 356 volunteers gave their time and energy
- 1,042 volunteer hours were contributed
- Volunteer impact value totaled $32,617.53
- $31,000 raised to provide school supplies
- Supplies reached all schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Every backpack, notebook, and pencil pack helps a student begin the year prepared and confident. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or spread the word, there’s a way for you to get involved.
Interested in volunteering? Fill out our volunteer interest form today and help us give local students a strong start to the 2026 school year. Together, we can beat last year’s total and make 2026 the best year yet for Escambia and Santa Rosa students!
Committee Members
- Chris McFarland, Escambia County Public Schools
- Wanda Kotick, Escambia County Public Schools
- Dave Gardner, Escambia County Public Schools
- Dana Fleming, Santa Rosa County School District
- Jodi Bell, Pensacola New Journal
- Brent Lane, Cat Country 98.7
- Kathy Dunagan, WEAR Channel 3
- Donna Bliss, UWWF
- Mirella Savage, UWWF
- Julia Helton, UWWF
Valedictorian Sponsors
- HCA Florida West Hospital
- Publix
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Santa Rosa Energy Center
Salutatorian Sponsors
- Florida Power & Light
Magna Cum Laude Sponsors
- Westmark & Associates Allstate
- Gulf Winds Credit Union
For more information on Stuff the Bus, please reach out to:
- Donna Bliss, donna.bliss@uwwf.org
Interested in sponsoring Stuff the Bus? Please reach out to:
- Mirella Savage, mirella.savage@uwwf.org
2026 Stuff the Bus Sponsorship Opportunities

