May 20, 2026
As families prepare for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, McIntosh Memorial Library of Viroqua is proud to announce the return of Stuff the Bus Vernon County, an initiative dedicated to ensuring every child has access to the school supplies they need—free of charge.
Now entering its fourth year under the operations of the library, Stuff the Bus provides backpacks and essential school supplies to students from Pre-K through High School who are enrolled in any Vernon County school district, including homeschool students. This program is designed to eliminate barriers to education by supplying tools that foster success in the classroom.
Registration Details
· Opens: Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM
· Closes: Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM
· Where: at mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org under Services, and Stuff the Bus
· Note: One registration form is required per student.
Pick-up locations for the supplies will be listed on the registration form and include the public libraries in Hillsboro, Westby, De Soto, La Farge, Coon Valley, and Ontario. For families in the Viroqua School District pick-up will take place in the Fellowship Hall at Bethel Home and Services. Distribution will occur in early to mid-August.
Who Can Participate?
- Students in Pre-K through 12th grade attending any school district within Vernon County, including homeschoolers.
- No proof of income is required. While the program is intended to support families in need, it is open to all eligible students within the county.
- Not available to students in districts outside Vernon County (e.g., Sparta in Monroe County).
What’s Included?
Each backpack is filled with grade-appropriate school supplies based on school-provided lists. Families may choose to receive a backpack, supplies, or both.
How You Can You Help?
Stuff the Bus is powered by community generosity. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate supplies or funds – Visit the library website for a list of needed materials or send checks payable to McIntosh Memorial Library with “Stuff the Bus” in the memo line to 205 South Rock Avenue in Viroqua, WI 54665.
- Drop off supplies in our Stuff the Bus bin at the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua between July 18th and August 3rd.
- Volunteer – Join us in July and August at the Bethel Home Fellowship Hall for supply-stuffing events and distribution. People interested in volunteering can sign up on our stuff the bus web page. o https://mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org/stuff-the-bus/
Assemble Supplies – volunteer opportunity
Friday, July 31st 10am – 2pm
Saturday, August 1st 10am – 2pm
Distribute Supplies - volunteer opportunity
Thursday, August 6th 4 – 7pm
Friday, August 7th 4 – 7pm
Saturday, August 8th 10am – 2pm
A Message from the Program Coordinator
“Stuff the Bus is one of the many ways our community comes together to make sure nobody is left behind. It really shows our community’s commitment to education, and collectively providing for kids and students”, said Caleb DeWitt of McIntosh Memorial Library. “This is in the spirit of our community history here, helping each other out, and especially taking care of our young ones. This program ensures that no student in Vernon County will fall behind or fail to learn due to a lack of school supplies. Our donors, volunteers, and our library community are the proverbial village raising the child, and the McIntosh Memorial Library is proud to channel all this generosity into making Vernon County the best place to be a kid.”
Learn More
Visit the library website and click on the “Services” tab, then select “Stuff the Bus” for updates, FAQs, and more information.
Together, we can ensure every Vernon County student starts the school year ready to learn—because no child should be held back due to a lack of supplies.
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