An annual drive to stuff the bus with school supplies gathered enough to fill 36 boxes that will in turn go to students in need at Mesa County School District 51 elementary and middle schools.

The Grand Junction drive also collects monetary donations for District 51 high schools to purchase supplies and raised a total of $3,435.

The event is a collaboration of District 51, the District 51 Foundation, Mesa Mall and Townsquare Media. Major sponsors for the fund drive included Community Hospital and Academy Mortgage.

“On behalf of the D51 Foundation, I want to thank Townsquare Media and Mesa Mall for their continued support of our D51 students,” said Angela Christensen, executive director of the foundation. “Thank you to all the donors and supports — especially Community Hospital and Academy Mortgage — who know how much it means to start off the school year with brand new supplies.”

Natalie Redding, marketing director of Townsquare Media, also praised the effort. “For over 20 years we have hosted Stuff the Bus in an effort to set our kids up for a successful school year. Townsquare Media is continually humbled by the outpouring of support we get every year, and we are grateful to be a part of this amazing community.”