Beaufort County Schools is gearing up for its annual Stuff the Bus fundraiser.

Slated for this Saturday, residents can expect to see the trademark yellow bus parked in Washington Wal-Mart’s parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon. All those interested in donating need to do is stop by the bus and drop off their supplies.

Dr. Don Phipps, BCS superintendent, said organizers are looking for a variety of supplies, including: pens and pencils, glue sticks, backpacks, glue, crayons and markers, folders and notebooks, to name several.

He said the event is a good representation of the schools’ partnership with outside organizations, including Beaufort County United Way and Wal-Mart, to meet the needs of its students — even when it’s not in the education budget to do so.

“We graciously accept anything that folks are willing to give to us,” Phipps said. “We’re very grateful to have the kind of generosity we have in our community.”

Once the supplies are collected, school officials will then work directly with each school to distribute the supplies based on that school’s need, according to Phipps.

He said this is the best way to ensure that the donations go directly to a student in need by the time school starts.

Phipps also said any size donation will be accepted. He recalled one instance when someone brought two glue sticks in a tiny bag, and even though it was small, the donation stuck out to him.

“We want the students to be prepared and be able to participate in the activities going on in the classrooms,” he said. “It’s not how much you get and how much you give.”

Because of the positive reception toward the event, Phipps said the school district is considering holding another Stuff the Bus campaign in January to help with the second half of the school year.

“It’s been so successful that we may consider doing part one and part two,” he said. “We just cannot do it on our own.”

Stuff the Bus will take place at the Washington Wal-Mart, 570 Pamlico Plaza, from 9 a.m. to noon.