'Stuff The Bus' School Supplies Drive Extended Through August

SAN DIEGO, CA — The "Stuff the Bus" school supplies drive for students experiencing homelessness in San Diego County has been extended through Aug. 31.

The effort, spearheaded by the San Diego County Office of Education and San Diego County Credit Union, has raised more than $38,000 to date with a goal of $100,000. The campaign was initially slated to end July 31.

"We can't thank the community enough for its support and generosity through the first month of this campaign," county Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gothold said in a statement. "We recognize that times are tough right now for many people, and we are grateful to those that are able to donate to help this vulnerable population."

More than 18,000 school-age children in San Diego County have been identified as homeless, according to the San Diego County Office of Education. The campaign aims to collect thousands of dollars in online and in-store donations to purchase pencils, pens, binders, crayons, backpacks and more for these students.

A portion of donations will also assist San Diego Youth Services in providing meals for homeless youth through its various food programs.

In 2021, the Stuff the Bus campaign raised more than $100,000 in monetary donations to help purchase more than 7,900 backpacks filled with supplies for students in the San Diego region, according to the San Diego County Office of Education.

People can donate online or in-store at any Ralphs or Food 4 Less grocery store in the county through the end of the month.

More information is available at sdcoe.net/stuffthebus.