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United Way of Santa Cruz County’s 9TH annual “Stuff the Bus” initiative will collect backpacks, school supplies and donations for low-income and homeless children in Santa Cruz County. The County Office of Education estimates there are more than 3,000 children in our county classified as homeless or in transition. These children are less likely to be ready when school starts in August, putting them at-risk of falling behind academically, socially, and economically in the long-term. Backpack and supply donations help these children and youth start the school year on equal footing, helping to promote their academic success and well-being. “Help with backpacks & school supplies alleviates added pressures from families so they can focus on other necessities such as rent, utilities, and food,” said a representative from Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Healthy Start Program. “It can be a challenge to afford all of the required school supplies once the school year starts. Distributing the backpacks and supplies tremendously helps out our families.” From July 1 – August 4 2018, community members can donate new school supplies at various locations throughout Santa Cruz County or online at unitedwaysc.org/stb. Community members can call 2-1-1 for a list of Stuff the Bus supply drop-off locations. PG&E is the 2018 “Stuff the Bus” Premier Sponsor, donating 200 filled backpacks. Stuff the Bus corporate sponsors to date include Bay Federal Credit Union, Santa Cruz County Bank, Target, UPS, the Santa Cruz Warriors, Raymond James Financial Service, and Cabrillo College. United Way is accepting corporate sponsorships that include small school buses and filled backpacks that will go towards the goal. Last year, this event raised 2,200 backpacks filled with school supplies. This year United Way has a goal to provide a backpack for every homeless youth in the County. These students are living with their families in shelters or motels, or their families have lost their homes and have moved in with relatives or friends. “Every donation not only gives these children a chance to succeed in school and life, but also represents a Santa Cruz County community member taking action towards equity and dignity for youth in our community,” said Keisha Frost, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Santa Cruz County. If you are interested in learning more, including locations of collection buses, list of needed items, ways to volunteer, or to donate online, visit unitedwaysc.org/stb or call 2-1-1.
United Way of Santa Cruz County’s 9TH annual “Stuff the Bus” initiative will collect backpacks, school supplies and donations for low-income and homeless children in Santa Cruz County. The County Office of Education estimates there are more than 3,000 children in our county classified as homeless or in transition. These children are less likely to be ready when school starts in August, putting them at-risk of falling behind academically, socially, and economically in the long-term. Backpack and supply donations help these children and youth start the school year on equal footing, helping to promote their academic success and well-being.
“Help with backpacks & school supplies alleviates added pressures from families so they can focus on other necessities such as rent, utilities, and food,” said a representative from Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Healthy Start Program. “It can be a challenge to afford all of the required school supplies once the school year starts. Distributing the backpacks and supplies tremendously helps out our families.”
From July 1 – August 4 2018, community members can donate new school supplies at various locations throughout Santa Cruz County or online at unitedwaysc.org/stb. Community members can call 2-1-1 for a list of Stuff the Bus supply drop-off locations.
PG&E is the 2018 “Stuff the Bus” Premier Sponsor, donating 200 filled backpacks. Stuff the Bus corporate sponsors to date include Bay Federal Credit Union, Santa Cruz County Bank, Target, UPS, the Santa Cruz Warriors, Raymond James Financial Service, and Cabrillo College.
United Way is accepting corporate sponsorships that include small school buses and filled backpacks that will go towards the goal. Last year, this event raised 2,200 backpacks filled with school supplies. This year United Way has a goal to provide a backpack for every homeless youth in the County. These students are living with their families in shelters or motels, or their families have lost their homes and have moved in with relatives or friends.
“Every donation not only gives these children a chance to succeed in school and life, but also represents a Santa Cruz County community member taking action towards equity and dignity for youth in our community,” said Keisha Frost, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Santa Cruz County.
If you are interested in learning more, including locations of collection buses, list of needed items, ways to volunteer, or to donate online, visit unitedwaysc.org/stb or call 2-1-1.