News 12 at 6 o'clock, August 1, 2009

EVANS, Ga. -- More people are out shopping this weekend, not only because kids are going back to school soon, but also because it's a tax free weekend in Georgia.

So the United Way is hoping to cash in -- by way of donations.
News 12 is on your side tonight along with our time to care sponsors for this year's first annual stuff a bus.

Instead of having a bus full of kids, today it was all about filling the bus with back to school supplies.

"It's a great feeling to see the response from our community," said Michel Young, a volunteer.

And the need is high -- with more families pinching pennies.

"A lot of families are finding themselves in an unfamiliar territory," United Way President, LaVerne Gold said. "And an unfamiliar situation when they can't provide basic school supplies."

Which is exactly why the united way has partnered with four Wal-Mart's in Augusta in the Stuff-A-Bus campaign. Their hope is that shoppers out on this tax free weekend will spare a few extra bucks for school supplies to be donated to children.

"We probably expect 20 to 25 percent more traffic customer the good thing is that means more faces get to see the bus," said Wal-Mart General Manager, Patrick Clifford.

Due to that increased traffic Gold is sure that, "We know we can stuff this bus!"

And with the teamwork of everyone in the community, the goal isn't to only stuff this bus, but more importantly stuff each and every backpack of needy kids here at home.