The seventh annual Stuff the Bus drive to collect donations for school supplies and meals for thousands of students experiencing housing insecurity launched Thursday at local grocery stores and iHeartMedia radio stations.
For the month of July, the campaign, organized by the San Diego County Office of Education and San Diego County Credit Union, will be collecting donations online or in-store at any Ralphs or Food 4 Less grocery store in the county, organizers said. Last year the Stuff the Bus campaign raised more than $130,000 to help buy more than 7,700 backpacks filled with supplies for students in San Diego County.
“Year after year, the local community shows kindness and generosity during this campaign and we could not be more grateful,” said Dr. Paul Gothold, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “As we emerge from this pandemic, our students and families continue to face many challenges. Even the smallest of donations can make a big impact for some of our most vulnerable students.”
Donations in any amount are welcome, according to organizers. A donation of $25 will cover the cost of a backpack and supplies, such as pencils, pens, notebooks and binders, for a high-school-age student.
A portion of the donations collected through the drive will be used to help San Diego Youth Services provide meals for homeless kids through its various food programs, organizers said.
The Stuff the Bus campaign also partners with local iHeartMedia radio stations Star 94.1, JAM’N 95.7, and Channel 93.3 for special appearances and live interviews.
Organizers of the campaign said there are more than 20,000 students in San Diego County who meet the definition of homeless children and youths as described in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The act defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.”