United Way of the National Capital Area will host an official kick off for its school supply collection drives around the region on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Lord & Taylor, located at 7950 Tysons Corner Center, McLean.

The event will bring together area residents to help assemble “Stuff The Bus” backpacks full of school supplies, non-perishable food products and personal care items for area students. United Way of the National Capital Area staff and volunteers as well as Timothy Johnson, the vice president for community impact with the United Way of the National Capital Area, will be on hand for the collection drive.

Each of the “Stuff the Bus” backpacks contain school supplies such as gift cards to Targets, Wegmans and Walmart, as well pens, pencils, scissors, erasers and other needed supplies to help middle school students succeed.  The backpacks will also contain personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and food. For more information, visit donate.unitedwaynca.org/page/contribute/stuff-the-bus.