JOHNSON CITY (March 1, 2013) – A shiny red British double-decker bus will park on the East Tennessee State University campus across from the Amphitheatre on Wednesday, March 6, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. to raise awareness about the millions of orphans around the world.

The bus is the headquarters for the Red Bus Project, and it is more than just a red bus – it is a two-story mobile thrift store. Throughout the day, visitors can shop the store’s selection of clothes, shoes and accessories. Funds that are raised will be donated to the non-profit organization Show Hope, which assists orphans around the world.

ETSU students, faculty and staff as well as members of the community are also encouraged to donate gently-used clothing or shoes that will be added to the store’s collection. Clothes can be brought to the bus or placed in donation bins that will be set up on campus that day and will be available for approximately five weeks.

The Red Bus Project was launched in March 2012 to empower college students to help orphans. During the past year, the double-decker bus has traveled to university and college campuses across the country. More than $35,000 has already been raised to help provide families to orphans through the Show Hope adoption grants program. Show Hope was founded by musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth.

Students from the university’s Roan Scholars Leadership Program are coordinating the ETSU visit.

For more information, contact Michael Stallard at stallardm@goldmail.etsu.edu or Matt Pencarinha at pencarinham@goldmail.etsu.edu.