Walmart and The Salvation Army are teaming up to provide new school supplies to local children in need during the “Stuff the Bus” donation event at select Walmart locations Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9.

The Salvation Army has adapted its services during the COVID-19 pandemic and is doing its best to ensure that local children receive the educational support they deserve, whether learning online or in the classroom. This year’s “Stuff the Bus” event is taking place at more than 4,500 Walmart stores across the country, where shoppers can purchase and place school supplies in designated donation bins, according to a release.

“There are children in the Valley whose parents will have to make the tough choice between school supplies and things like groceries, utility bills or insurance,” stated Major David Yardley, The Salvation Army Metro Phoenix Program Coordinator. “We anticipate the need to be even greater this year.”

During the pandemic, The Salvation Army has provided more than 65 million meals nationwide through a combination of prepared meals and food boxes, 1.45 million nights of safe shelter, and emotional and spiritual support to more than 778,000 people, in addition to the financial assistance, hygiene kits, and youth programs the organization provides in almost every ZIP code in America, the release states.

Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years to meet local community needs. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services that help them overcome poverty and economic hardships, according to the release.

All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need.

Following is the current list (subject to change):