Why Is There A School Bus Parked In Crossroads Center?

School is right around the corner and soon you'll be seeing the big yellow buses driving around central Minnesota roads again.

But, for now, school is still a few weeks away. In the meantime, you can find one of those big buses hanging out inside of Crossroads Center. The school bus in the mall is there to help the Boys and Girls Club with their annual "Stuff The Bus" campaign. 

It's a huge school supply drive. The club collects and distributes supplies to kids in need to help them prepare for the upcoming academic year.

As you're out and about doing your back to school shopping, you're encouraged to pick up a few extra items and drop it off at the bus location in the mall. Even if you don't have kids in school and you're not shopping for back to school items, you can still donate.

They'll be collecting donations now through Sunday, August 22nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The bus is parked inside of the Food Court near Scheels. The Boys and Girls Club needs all kinds of supplies including; backpacks, notebooks, colored pencils and more.

In addition to the school supply distribution, the club has also been running a 'grab and go meal distribution' program. They provide meals to kids on Mondays and Thursdays. It's something they've been doing during the pandemic and will continue to do throughout this school year.

If you'd rather give the club a monetary donation to help, you can do that online with a credit card. You'll be able to choose what program your donation will go toward.

You can find a link to make a money donation below.