United Way of San Benito County’s fourth annual “Stuff the Bus” initiative will collect backpacks, school supplies and donations for low-income, homeless and foster children in the county. The County Office of Education estimates there are more than 7,000 children locally who qualify for assistance and need new school supplies.
From July 1 through Aug. 6, community members can donate new school supplies at various locations throughout San Benito County or online at unitedwaysbc.org. This year, local Girl Scout Troop #23407 has adopted “Stuff the Bus” to earn their Bronze Award. Scout Kate says, “We are proud to be helping United Way with ‘Stuff the Bus.’ We’re contributing to kids who can’t buy their own school supplies. I really like Stuff the Bus!”
On Aug. 6, volunteers will gather in the Target parking lot to fill the backpacks with supplies and distribute the filled backpacks to local children identified by all our local school districts. Look for the big yellow school bus with “Stuff the Bus” banners made by YMCA day campers. Hollister Rotary will be on hand cooking hot dogs. Organizers are also looking forward to “Heroes for Hope” who have volunteered to take pictures with the children. The San Benito Health Foundation will have their screening bus on hand for dental and health screenings.
“This event really brings our community together in our common goal of sending kids back to school with the supplies they need to feel confident and ready to learn,” said Vicki Fortino, UWSBC coordinator.
United Way is accepting corporate sponsorships and community donations. All sponsorships/donations are used to purchase discounted supplies and backpacks. Last year, this event supplied 1,643 students with filled backpacks. Organizers hope to increase that number to 2,000 this year. United Way is committed to growing this initiative so that all students start school with the supplies they need.
Stuff the Bus Premiere Sponsors to date include: Gabilan Chapter Kinship Center, Go-Kids, Inc., San Benito County, Target and the YMCA. Gold Sponsors are Diane & Larry Barr, Friends of Southside School Endowment, Graniterock, HESTA, Hollister Landscape Supply, Inc., Pacific Scientific, RMC Engineering, Rotary Club of Hollister, and True Leaf Farms. Silver Sponsors include Breen Law, Brent Redmond Transportation, Calvista Insurance Agency, CHISPA, Don Winn, Earthbound Farm, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, Heritage Bank, International Horticulture, Kathy Tiffany, Marilyn Ferreira Broker/Associate, North County Teachers Association, Rabobank, Rick & Susie Zgragen, Teknova, Thomas Harlow CPA,Inc., and Tiffany Ford. In addition we have Breger Chiropractic, Bill & Mary Damm, Calera Wine Company, Community Focus Group, Curt & Marlene Mead, Dr. Mike Chen, Edward Jones/Mark Vivian, Ellington Financial, Jeanette & Scott Campbell, Kunz Team, M&M Farms, Mom’s Club of Hollister, Pinnacle West Exterminators, Phil & Vicki Fortino, Sun Street Centers and Sylvia & Tony Jaime at the Bronze level.
To become a sponsor or to make a monetary donation, visit the website www.unitedwaysbc.org. The locations of collection buses, list of needed items and volunteer opportunities will also be listed. You can also contact Vicki Fortino, UWSBC Coordinator at sanbenito@unitedwaysc.org or 831.332.7550.