Come Aug. 28, Beaufort County Schools students get back to the grind.

The start of a new school year is a time of excitement and nerves, for students and teachers alike. It should not, however, be a time of embarrassment or sadness due to the lack of school supplies.

That’s why Beaufort County Schools, Beaufort County United Way and Vidant Beaufort Hospital partner to make sure students have the school supplies they need to be successful. “Stuff the Bus” is an annual campaign, and every year, students step off the bus with a big smile, thanks to the generous donations from the community. Those small, simple supplies that many take for granted could actually make a world of difference for a child this year.

More importantly, the distribution of donated supplies is completely need based, and will be given out to all 14 schools in the district. No matter the age or the school, children who need supplies have somewhere to turn. Beaufort County Schools will make sure it gets there.

Suggested donations include: book bags, pencils, glue, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper and glue. However, all supplies are welcome and will be accepted.

This year’s “Stuff the Bus” campaign is scheduled for Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Washington Wal-Mart entrance in Pamlico Plaza. Donations can also be dropped off at Vidant Beaufort Hospital, any BCS school or the central services office on Smaw Road.

Don’t wait: do your part to help children in need in the community. It’s an easy, relatively inexpensive way to give back, and the gesture will help ensure students’ success this school year.

For questions, call BCS central offices at 252-946-6593. Otherwise, just look for the yellow bus on Saturday.