Walmart, Salvation Army school supply drive targets needy families in Sacramento area

Walmart and the Salvation Army are collaborating on a “Stuff the Bus” campaign to collect school supplies for children and families in need. The nationwide campaign begins Friday and continues through Sunday, with 29 Sacramento-area stores participating.

Walmart customers can buy items in-store or online to donate. Salvation Army collection bins will be in the stores, but no volunteers will be present, in an effort to reduce contact due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The two companies teamed-up last year for a similar drive, but this year they aim to bring in more supplies due to increased need because of the economic hardships of the pandemic.

“Our goal is to relieve a little bit of the burden those families face and give them hope for a successful school year,” a joint statement said.

All of the donations made within a community will be distributed within the same community.

Most Sacramento-area Walmart stores are participating, including those in Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Antelope, Marysville, Yuba City, Placerville, Dixon, Woodland and Galt.

Stores in Sacramento County are only participating on Sat., Aug. 8.

This story was originally published August 7, 2020 at 12:58 PM.