GOLDSBORO, N.C. — For two decades, Community Supporting Schools has been filling buses with hope and school supplies through their annual “Stuff The Bus” campaign. The initiative, which takes place every August, continues to serve as a lifeline for students and families across Wayne County.
Building Success One Supply at a Time
Wendy Hooks, success coach for Carver Elementary and associate director of Community Supporting Schools, is one of the overseers of the program that has become a cornerstone of community support in the region. Working alongside director Selina Bennett, Hooks has witnessed firsthand the impact of this grassroots effort.
“We’ve been doing this “Stuff The Bus” every August for approximately 20 years,” Hooks explained during this year’s collection event. The process is well-coordinated: volunteers collect donations throughout the day, then transport the filled bus to Meadow Lane, where success coaches and volunteers sort supplies by individual schools before the school system handles final distribution.
Beyond the Annual Drive
The organization’s commitment extends far beyond the August event. “We take school supplies all year long,” Hooks noted. “When schools need them, they call us and we make sure they get them.”
This year-round approach ensures that students who need supplies mid-semester or transfer students aren’t left without essential materials. Hooks, drawing from her experience as a former principal, understands the importance of this safety net.
Measuring Success Through Smiles
When asked how the organization measures success, Hooks pointed to both tangible and intangible metrics. While they track the monetary value of collected supplies—noting that school supplies are expensive—the real measure comes in the form of student reactions.
“Just the smile on their face and just the contentment that you see a young child have,” Hooks reflected, recalling her days as an elementary school principal. “Just knowing that you’ve helped that child feel successful that day and going forward, that they will hopefully come to you when they have other issues they want to take care of. It’s building that relationship with a child, even if it starts with a book bag.”
Community Partnership at Its Core
The success of Stuff the Bus relies heavily on community partnerships. Local churches, Cricket’s Kids, the Partnership for Children, area hospitals, and law offices all contribute to the effort. The News Argus serves as a media partner, while the bus garage provides transportation and Medicaid assists with logistics.
Other Contributors
- The Bridge
- Jackson & Sons
- Cornelia Grundmeier
- 3 Eagles Rotary
- First Christian Church
- and various other local non-profits and individuals
“The community is so supporting of Community Supporting Schools,” Hooks emphasized. “I really don’t think there’s been a hardship.”
List of Schools Where Success Coaches are Located
- Greg Batts – Brogden Middle
- Angie Rains – Grantham Middle
- Mary Kay James – Dillard Middle
- Terri McKay – Mt. Olive Middle
- Sharon Patterson – Southern Wayne High
- Veda McNair – Spring Creek High
- Nikki Jackson – Carver Heights Elementary
- Dr. Earl Moore – Dillard Middle
- Robin DeVeaux – Carver Heights Elementary
- Wendy Hooks – Carver Elementary
- Becky Dixon – North Drive Elementary
Weather: The Only Challenge
When pressed about challenges, Hooks laughed “The weather,” she said. “In past years it was so hot, you know, but today it’s fine. We were going to come out here and get these supplies for these children, rain or shine.”
The dedication to continue regardless of conditions reflects the organization’s commitment to serving Wayne County students and families.
Looking Toward the Future
As Community Supporting Schools looks ahead, expansion is on the horizon. Hooks envisions potentially hosting multiple collection events per year and expanding geographically to better serve surrounding communities.
“We might could look at having a second event or even having one in Mount Olive or Fremont or Pikeville,” she suggested. “We might get more buy-in from the surrounding areas if we could venture out.”
Year-Round Impact Through Reading Buddies
Beyond Stuff The Bus, Community Supporting Schools operates the Reading Buddies program, pairing volunteers with students for weekly 30-minute reading sessions. The program creates mentoring relationships that extend throughout the school year.
“If anybody has 30 minutes a week that they can donate to a child, we pair you with a child and you read and you become a cheerleader and a mentor for that child,” Hooks explained. “That one 30 minutes a week adds up over time. It’s amazing to watch a relationship build.”
Additional Community Initiatives
The organization maintains an active calendar of events, including their spring fundraiser “Have a Heart” and a new women’s vendor event planned for the Christmas season. Success coaches continue expanding their presence in schools across Wayne County, with the ultimate goal of placing a success coach in every elementary school in the district.
Getting Involved
Community members interested in volunteering or donating can contact the Community Supporting Schools office. The organization accepts donations year-round and welcomes volunteers for both the Reading Buddies program and special events like Stuff the Bus.
As Hooks noted, the impact of community support extends far beyond the school supplies themselves, creating lasting relationships and opportunities for student success throughout Wayne County.
For more information about Community Supporting Schools and volunteer opportunities, contact their main office or visit participating schools in the Wayne County Public School system.
