Midland States Bank and four other area businesses will hold a “School Bus Battle” on Friday to gather school supplies for area kids in need. Catholic Charities will be collecting the supplies on their Ramblin’ Rose Bus that day and donated items will go to support schools in 7 area counties. The supplies will benefit some 1300-1700 students.
“We will have the school bus from, basically from Catholic Charities, the Ramblin’ Rose Bus will be in our parking lot from 10-2, and we’re going to have a friendly battle between the businesses to see which business can donate the most school supplies for children that will profited by the bus.” Said Amber Sparks, of Midland States Bank.
In addition to gathering school supplies, the event is also to encourage other local businesses to host their own charitable events to benefit area children. Alice Mulvaney, also from Midland, said that event would help “level the playing field for kids,” and suggested that having access to new school supplies help would boost confidence for kids in need.
Whichever of the five participating businesses, that include Midland States Bank, Heartland Dental, Agracel, INC, Legacy Harley-Davidson, and Patterson Companies, INC, brings in the most supplies will win “bragging rights,” according to Sparks. Different types of supplies are worth different point amounts. Pencils and other smaller items are worth 1 or 2 points and larger items, like backpacks, are worth 5.
Employees at the participating companies will just need to bring their school supplies in to work on Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and hand them over to the bus. Additionally, Culture, a frozen yogurt lounge, and Teutopolis Treats have also volunteered to support the supply drive by providing refreshments for those who donate.
You can hear the whole interview here!