April 26, 2024

Cline Tool working to Stuff the Bus

By Jamee A

Terry Wearmouth, Jessica Tucker, Jennifer Jenkins and Laura Fonkert stand next to the school bus Cline Tool is working to stuff full of school supplies for the coming school year. “Bus Stops” to drop of donated supplies are available at Cline Tool, Re/Max and Anytime Fitness though July 25. (Jamee A)

The first day of school is just around the corner and Cline Tool is hoping to give a little help to those looking for school supplies. Through its Stuff the Bus Campaign, the company is working to collect school supplies to then hand out to those in need.

“I brought it up to the employee activities committee one day,” payroll and treasury manager Jennifer Jenkins said. “I thought it is almost school time and school supply lists are going to be coming out soon. I hear teachers all of the time having to supply school supplies and there are kids out there that can’t afford all of the supplies, so I thought it would be a really good fundraiser for the company.”

The committee agreed it would be a worthwhile cause and began work on the campaign. To house the gathered supplies, three small buses were purchased to be placed in several businesses across town. Then the group worked to create a supply list for those looking to donate.

“We pulled the Newton school list, and we talked to a couple of teachers of what they often have to buy. We just combined those lists for our poster but anything is accepted,” Jenkins said.

The campaign runs through July 25, and Jenkins said they are hoping to gather enough supplies for a distribution day, tentatively set for July 30.

“We would set it up outside and kids could bring their school lists and get the things need and be able to buy anything else after that,” Jenkins said. “We’re hoping to be able to do the distribution day. I think it would be just awesome to have kids come pick out what they want.”

The company started the campaign during the summer to try to get kids as many supplies as possible before having to head to the store.

“I figured we could get the supplies to people that need them before they go shopping,” Jenkins said.

Bus stops or locations set up to take supplies include Cline Tool at 1415 E. 19th St. N., Re/Max at 120 N. Second Ave. W. and Anytime Fitness at 1718 First Ave. E. If people have items to donate but are unable to bring them to the locations, Cline Tool is also available to pick them up by calling 641-792-7081.

This is just the latest fundraising effort for Cline Tool, who is donating $500 in supplies to the cause. The company has also raised money and products for St. Nick’s Christmas Club, the Jasper County Animal Rescue League and the Salvation Army.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com