Kids face many hardships—school supplies should not be one of them. That’s why SDCCU Stuff the Bus is once again collecting monetary donations to purchase back-to-school supplies for students experiencing homelessness—to help set these students up for success in the coming school year. The annual Stuff the Bus campaign, now in its 8th year, was launched in partnership with San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia radio stations in support of Live Well San Diego. A portion of donations will also assist San Diego Youth Services’ various food programs to provide meals for homeless youth. This year again, in addition to the online collection, the community can also make in-store monetary donations at any Ralphs or Food 4 Less grocery store location in San Diego County. Having a backpack and all of the needed back-to-school supplies is essential for success in the new school year. A small donation can make a big difference in the life of a student in need.
“We know that families in our communities are struggling,” said Susie Terry, coordinator, Homeless Liaison Foster Youth & Homeless Education Services at San Diego County Office of Education. “Each year, this drive allows us to relieve some of their burden as they prepare to go back to school. Every spring, we start to hear from local schools asking if we will have supplies again and letting us know how much it means to the families to receive them. We are so grateful for our continued partnership with SDCCU and the impact of Stuff the Bus!”
More than 18,000 school-age children were identified as homeless during the last school year. Homelessness for school-age children can mean living in a shelter, sharing a residence with multiple families, living in a car or trailer in San Diego County or sharing a room in an apartment with relatives. Homelessness is not limited to urban, downtown San Diego—it also affects suburban school districts all over the county.
“We ask the San Diego community to please support and donate to help these children begin the new school year feeling prepared for success. We are honored to once again be able to partner with the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia, as well as adding Ralphs and Food 4 Less again this year to help make a big change in the lives of students experiencing homeless throughout the county,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO.
Monetary donations will be accepted in-store at all Ralphs and Food 4 Less grocery store locations in San Diego County through July 31, as well as online at sdccu.com/donate.
SDCCU, the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia are proud Live Well San Diego partners. The County Board of Supervisors launched Live Well San Diego in 2010 with the goal of achieving healthy, safe and thriving communities across the region by partnering with community and city leaders, schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and residents.