The San Diego County Credit Union “Stuff the Bus” drive reached its goal and collected $100,000, which was used to fill 8,686 backpacks plus an additional 250 backpacks and 634 headphones and earbuds and nearly 223,000 school supplies to better prepare students for success as they head back to school this year.
This year the school supply drive, which was held in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia radio stations, encouraged supporters to make monetary donations toward the cause online and in-store at any Ralphs or Food 4 Less grocery store location in San Diego County.
“We are so proud and thankful to the community for their support to enable us to meet the needs of thousands of students experiencing homelessness throughout San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties. The success of this year’s drive will allow the students to return to school this fall feeling prepared,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “We are so grateful to all the generous donors who help make this school supply drive more and more successful every year.”
Monetary donations were accepted online through Aug. 31. The amount donated by the community for SDCCU Stuff the Bus exceeded the $100,000 goal.
“Continuing through the pandemic with so many in our communities still experiencing challenges of their own, people recognize the importance of ensuring students experiencing homelessness are equipped with the necessary items to return to school,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gothold. “We are so appreciative of the donations and compassion shown by the community to support our students.”
SDCCU Stuff the Bus benefits students in San Diego County experiencing homelessness, with supplies going to 28 school districts and 30 charter schools. According to SDCOE, more than 20,000 school-age children were identified as homeless during the last school year. Homelessness can mean living in a shelter, sharing a residence with whole families, living in a car or trailer, or sharing a room in an apartment with relatives.
For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.