Gulfport Police collect supplies for Fill the Bus drive

The Gulfport Police Department is serving as an official collection site for the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport’s annual Fill the Bus school supply drive, organizers said. The drive aims to ensure local students and teachers start the school year prepared for success.

Organizers said needed supplies include pencils, notebooks, crayons and markers, scissors, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, earbuds, notebook paper and other classroom essentials. Donations may be dropped off at any participating collection site on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport is a volunteer organization that organizes community service projects to support children and families, organizers said. School supply drives such as Fill the Bus help reduce barriers to learning by providing basic materials teachers and students often need at the start of the school year.

Officials thanked residents who contribute and encouraged community participation to help local classrooms. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.