It's More Than A Backpack!
School Supply Donation Drive: July 1- August 1st
Stuff-A-Thon at the Kaiser Arena: August 5th
Every year, Santa Cruz County Office of Education and United Way team up to host Stuff The Bus to gather essential backpacks and school supplies to help prepare youth for the new school year. We provide these backpacks and supplies to youth currently experiencing homelessness and/or other hardships.
Data from the County Office of Education states that there is over 2,800 youth who are currently experiencing homelessness or extreme hardship in Santa Cruz County.
With your help, we are aiming to donate over 2,000 backpacks with new school supplies to Santa Cruz County youth who need them. Your donation will send youth back to school fully equipped and on the pathway to success!
How to get Involved:
Donate:
Your gift of $25 = one new backpack filled with essential school supplies. This new backpack will help promote learning, encourage self-esteem, and provide school supplies to youth in our community. Or you could purchase a new backpack and school supplies! Download the school supply list here
Volunteer:
This family-friendly experience offers a great opportunity for community members to volunteer - filling backpacks with necessary school supplies and literally "stuffing a school bus"! Join us at the Kaiser Permanente Arena on August 5th from 10:00-1:00 PM. Lunch and Snacks will be provided. (Volunteer Opportunities are limited this year and will be first come, first served)
Volunteer Interest Sign Up
(Volunteer Spots are limited this year and will be first come, first served)
Project Homeless Coordinator
Student Support Services Dept.
"The Stuff the Bus Drive isn't just any drive, it's a county-wide effort that helps provide quality backpacks and school supplies to students who are experiencing homelessness and other extreme hardships. There is a big possibility that the families and students you work with can also reap the benefits of our drive. By making a generous contribution today, you can help promote learning, encourage self-esteem, and provide school supplies to talented and hardworking students in our community!"
To learn more about how you can request a backpack, please contact Erika Cortes at ecortes@santacruzcoe.org or call 831-466-5666.