'Stuff The Bus' Campaign Seeks School Supply Donations For Homeless Students In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — The annual Stuff the Bus campaign is underway to raise money for backpacks and school supplies for San Diego County students experiencing homelessness.

The campaign, now in its 12th year, is sponsored by the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego County Credit Union and iHeartMedia. Donations will be accepted online and at SDCCU branches through the end of July.

More than 24,000 school-age children in San Diego County have been identified as experiencing homelessness, according to the San Diego County Office of Education. The designation includes children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

Organizers said donations will be used to purchase backpacks, pencils, pens, binders, crayons and other classroom supplies. A $20 donation covers a backpack filled with supplies for an elementary school student, while $25 provides a backpack and supplies for a middle or high school student.

"Making sure our students who are experiencing homelessness have a backpack full of supplies to start the school year is just one way we can help them feel welcome, confident, and ready to learn on their first day,"said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, the county's superintendent of schools. "We are grateful for SDCCU's continued partnership and for the generosity of our community in helping students feel supported, valued, and equipped for success."

Last year's Stuff the Bus campaign raised $117,000, providing more than 8,850 backpacks filled with school supplies for students across the county.

Donations can be made online or at SDCCU branch locations through July 31.