P1 students across the Island started their academic year with shiny new pencil cases and school supplies ? thanks to the Bermuda Junior Service League.

For the third year running, the BJSL has purchased over 550 sturdy pencil cases and Government recommended school supplies and donated them to students.

All Government Primary Schools from across the Island were invited to participate in the ?Stuff the Bus? campaign by providing the names of their incoming Primary One students.

The BJSL members thanked ZipX, Dolphin Quest, Washington Lane Engravers and Rosemont Guest Apartments for their assistance in buying, shipping and storing the supplies.

The objective of the BJSL?s ?Stuff the Bus? campaign is simple ? to supply the required school supplies to all Primary One students in the Government school system and provide support to families whose children are about to embark on their school activities and studies.

The pencil cases were distributed this month.

BJSL project chairperson Susan Smith said: ?It is a great feeling to be able to do this worthwhile annual project ... and on delivery day, their faces just light up and they were so excited to get their supplies. I am honoured to be associated with such an organisation.?

She said the organisation of women is committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community.

?Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable and has been supporting the community since 1936,? Ms Smith said.

All money raised is given back to the community through worthy community service projects and annual donations.

She said the BJSL is actively expanding its membership and professional and non-professional women between the ages of 18 to 50 are welcome to join.

For more information contact Dawn Dunstan on 332-2575 or by e-mail at bjsnorthrock.bm