
Kristina Schnack Kotlus
Schools and Education Reporter
Local Businesses in the Potomac Communities are helping to ensure students are geared up for fall. Each year numerous students return to school without the necessary supplies they need to participate in class. Local businesses are hoping to inspire residents to help ensure every child has the basic supplies they need.
In Stafford, Apple Federal Credit Union has helped to coordinate a drive called “Stuff the Bus” in cooperation with numerous other business partners who are acting as drop-off sites. Booz Allen Hamilton, Costco and Rioch are also helping to support this endeavor. Donations are needed by August 20 for the “Stuff the Bus” program. School supply lists and details are available on their website, and a list of drop-off sites is below.
In Woodbridge, Chick-fil-A on the Prince William County Parkway is offering not only a drop-off site, but an incentive. Any customer who donates $5 of school supplies will receive a free original or spicy chicken sandwich.
Numerous local churches are also collecting backpacks, including Freedom Fellowship in Dale City and New Hope Church in Lorton. Apple Federal’s Stuff the Bus Program also occurs in Prince William County with drop off sites throughout Manassas and Woodbridge. Century 21 New Millennium will also be collecting school supplies through August 17th.
Larger companies, such as office supply giant Staples, run programs out of their own buildings and will have collection bins placed in stores through mid-September.
Stafford Drop Off Locations:
Apple Federal Credit Union, 50 Dunn Drive
Chick-fil-A, 25 Dunn Drive
Chick-fil-A 1094, International Parkway
GEICO, One GEICO Blvd
NextCare Urgent Care, 15 S. Gateway Drive
NextCare Urgent Care, 330 White Oak Road
NextCare Urgent Care, 325 Garrisonville Road
Stafford County Public Schools, 31 Stafford Avenue
Stafford County Social Services, 1300 Courthouse Road
Storage 2000, 2865 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Storage 2000, 521 Garrisonville Road
Walmart-Stafford Lakes, 11 Village Parkway
Prince William County Drop Off Locations:
Chick-fil-A 2425 Prince William Parkway
Freedom Fellowship Church, 4320 Dale Boulevard
Apple Federal Manassas Branch, 8745 Mathis Avenue
Apple Federal Woodbridge Branch, 14229 Potomac Mills Road
Jackie’s Teacher Store, 4373 Dale Boulevard
Office Depot, 14053 Crossing Place
Super Walmart, 17041 Jefferson Davis Highway
Century 21 New Millenium, 12581 Milstead Way, Suite 400
Recent Stories

The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has