The voice of Jan Smith, director of WVII ABC-7 television news, is filled with the enthusiasm of one who really loves her work.

But the recent voice message she left me and her following e-mails were even more enthusiastic than usual, as she told me about an upcoming project she clearly is very excited about.

Smith reports that WVII, television station WFVX, radio station Z107.3, Wal-Mart and Head Start are working on a Stuff the Bus campaign to help provide back to school supplies and clothes for distribution by Penquis CAP to Head Start programs in five counties.

Considering the National Retail Federation estimates parents will spend nearly $450 per child for school supplies and clothes, this effort will make a tremendous difference to many families.

Smith told me members of the Stuff the Bus team will be “camping out” outside Wal-Mart in Brewer around the clock for three days beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, until 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5.

They hope to “stuff the bus” with as many school supplies as possible.

People living in areas served by Wal-Mart stores in Bangor, Lincoln, Palmyra, Ellsworth and Calais can also participate, since donation drop boxes will be at those stores, and crews will bring them to the Brewer store for the last day of the campaign, which concludes with a cookout.

Smith hopes, as do I, that you will help Stuff the Bus so that going to school will be a lot more fun and enjoyable for many deserving youngsters.

You have until Sunday, Aug. 31, to help Penobscot Theatre Company reach its Extraordinary Friends Campaign goal of $250,000 to keep the professional, nonprofit theater in Bangor.

With just $17,500 to go, the next $10,000 will be matched by Christopher Hutchins of Bangor, who offered a $30,000 challenge grant in July. Contributions are tax-deductible, and can be sent to Penobscot Theatre Company, 183 Main St., Bangor 04401.

Norma Binan of the Bangor Area Sewing Guild wrote that group is kicking off National Sewing Month with a class from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 6, at JoAnn Fabrics in Bangor for “all who need help with sewing problems of all sorts.”

Later in the month, the guild will be host to an all-day workshop-fashion show.

For details, call Binan, 862-4367, or Andrea Dill, 989-7612.

World-class sailor, Olympic bronze medalist, and a participant in nine Americas Cup campaigns, John Marshall, who is also president and co-founder of the Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation, will address the Pleasant River Historical Society at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Addison Town Hall.

All are welcome. More information can be obtained by calling Bonnie Thomson, 483-4036.

Diane Stimpson e-mailed that Walk for the Animals with Save Our Strays begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Fairfield Community Center on Water Street.

The event will help raise funds to support the organization’s spay, neuter and adoption program for homeless cats and dogs.

Dogs are welcome, but not required for the 2-mile event.

Prizes range from 100 gallons of home heating fuel to gift certificates at area and local merchants. Pledge sheets are available at Animal House Pet Supplies and Buddies Groceries, Fairfield; Pet Quarters, Augusta; KMD Florist, Waterville; at www.saveourstraysinmaine.org; or by calling 877-0060.

Earlier this week, you read of the difficult situation the family of Jim and Cindy Stanley of Bangor face with two of their three children, 14-year-old Jessica and 17-year-old Jason, both being treated for cancer.

Jessica was diagnosed last November with Ewing’s sarcoma. This spring, Jason was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Friends and family are being as supportive as possible and are seeking your help, as well.

Donations of items for a benefit yard sale for the family, which begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at 139 Main St. in Corinth, would be greatly appreciated.

The teens’ aunt, Sheila Rines, said organizers are “asking for donations of anything,” to help the family through this most difficult financial situation.

If you can contribute between now and Saturday, Sept. 6, call Rines at 285-3873.

Director Michele Hall said tryouts for the Bangor Area Children’s Treble Choir, for those ages 9-16, will be held 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at All Souls Congregational Church on Broadway in Bangor.

Also, the Youth Chorale, for grades seven through 12, needs female voices to round out the male-female balance.For information or to audition, call 947-2023.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.