ETSU's “Bucs Stuff the Bus” school supply drive successfully raised 30 boxes of donations to deliver to local schools, especially those impacted by Hurricane Helene.  

“Bucs Stuff the Bus” was an initiative planned as part of ETSU’s Founders Week, a celebration of the university’s founding in 1911. But it quickly grew to be a bigger project in the wake of regional flooding.  

The entire campus community contributed to the effort, including ETSU faculty, staff, students and community members at the ETSU vs. Samford football game. Donations were gathered in special boxes stationed in 24 departments across campus, in the D.P. Culp Student Center and at the game-day tailgate last Saturday.  

The donation drive collected paper products, organizational supplies, classroom technology and more to be delivered to schools across Northeast Tennessee counties in the coming days.  

“The outpouring of support for area schools, especially for those most affected by this disaster, has been tremendous,” said Leah Adinolfi, dean of Student Engagement and director of Assessment. “Schools can provide a sense of normalcy and routine for young people and families amid so much disruption, and I’m very pleased with the support everyone has given to strengthen these integral community assets.” 

Since its inception in 1911, ETSU has been committed to improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond. Central to this mission is the belief that people come first. Bucs Rebuild Together, the university’s response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene in the region, reflects ETSU’s continuing commitment to supporting our communities in times of need. Through collaborative efforts, we are dedicated to helping rebuild, embodying our core values of service, excellence and compassion. Learn more at ETSU.edu/response.    

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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