Police help 'Stuff the Bus'

SANDUSKY — By subtracting the sales tax, the math added up for Perkins police officers to collect school supplies for local children in need. On Friday, which kicked off the beginning of a two-week-long sales tax holiday period throughout Ohio, Perkins police officers posted inside the Sandusky-area Walmart. They thanked the many people who dropped off new items — backpacks, pencils, pens, folders, notebook paper, markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue, erasers and more — going to local students in need. Among those appreciative of the donations included Perkins police Officer Stephanie McDermott, who personally collected items at Walmart. "There are a lot of students who are struggling just to go to school and have the basic supplies that they need to get a good education, and we hate to see that," McDermott said. "It's important that we as a community step up and help them out." Contributing to the campaign Perkins police partnered in an effort across Erie and Huron counties known as Stuff the Bus. Overseen by VacationLand Federal Credit Union while receiving help from the Sandusky Mall and the Sandusky Bay Kiwanis Community Service Corp., it offers various ways for people to donate school supplies for children in grades K-8 whose families are experiencing financial hardships. It helps out students enrolled in all Erie County schools and various ones in Huron County: Bellevue, Monroeville, New London, South Central, Willard and St. Francis Xavier. On a related note, Norwalk and St. Paul operate their separate Stuff the Bus campaign. "The success of this program is made possible through the generous donations we receive each year from community partners like you," according to an event statement. In the end, this donation drive aims to relieve the financial pressures many families face when getting kids ready for a new school year. Organizers will stuff new backpacks with these school items. They'll be distributed to participating schools, and families will be notified when they can pick up these items. The campaign ends this week. People can donate and learn more information by visiting facebook.com/stuffthebuseriehuroncounties. Forgiving the sales tax Friday marked Day 1 of a period in which people in Ohio don't need to pay sales tax on certain items. "From Aug. 1-14, shoppers can enjoy an expanded sales tax holiday period on a wide range of goods, making it the perfect time to stock up for school, sports and even everyday essentials," according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. Ohio's statewide sales tax rate equates to 5.75%. Each county adds on a certain percentage. For example, those in Erie County, which has a rate of 6.75%, stand to save $6.75 for every $100 in tax-exempt items purchased. Among the items not taxed during this period: • Electronics and tech gadgets, including computers and televisions • Sporting goods, including equipment and apparel for sports • Clothing and shoes • School supplies and backpacks • Home goods, including furniture, kitchenware and home decor • Restaurant meals consumed on-site; This also applies to supplements and soft drinks. • Online purchases if ordered and paid for during the holiday Because it's set by state law, all vendors must comply. People can visit tax.ohio.gov for more information.