Markers, erasers, glue sticks and backpacks. These were just some of the supplies Appalachian Power (APCo) volunteers purchased earlier this month and donated to West Virginia schoolkids. APCo joined over a dozen businesses and nonprofits sponsoring Southern Communications' Stuff the Bus campaign, helping fill several vehicles with school supplies.

Volunteers from APCo gathered outside Walmart in Fayetteville, grabbed a cart and headed for the back-to-school aisle. Football players from nearby Oak Hill High School greeted customers at the door, accepting donations from generous members of our community.

For APCo team member Ashley W., the day brought back memories from her own childhood in the heart of West Virginia. 

 “I remember going back-to-school shopping with my parents and being so excited to pick out a new sparkly backpack or some scented markers,” she said. "I want every kid in our community to feel the way I felt: loved, supported and ready to learn." 

Across the country, about one in four children can't afford school supplies. This hurts their attendance rates, academic performance and self-esteem.

Appalachian kids are Appalachia's future. And something as simple as a pack of crayons and some glue sticks can change a child's entire school year. By investing in tomorrow's leaders, the company you know is supporting communities across the region.