SOLEDAD — Community leaders, volunteers and local agencies gathered last month at Jack Franscioni Elementary School in Soledad to officially kick off the 15th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, an initiative dedicated to providing school supplies to children experiencing homelessness and housing instability across Monterey County.
The May 20 event, hosted by United Way Monterey County (UWMC) and Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), featured remarks from Crystal Lopez, community relationship manager at UWMC, and Donna Smith, program coordinator for the Homeless Children and Youth Services Program at MCOE.
Attendees included partners, sponsors and media representatives eager to witness firsthand how community support is making a difference in students’ lives.
“Starting the year with a new backpack and the right supplies makes a big difference for a child’s confidence and sense of belonging,” said Katy Castagna, president and CEO of UWMC. “This program is about more than just school supplies — it’s about opportunity, equity and showing every student that their community is behind them.”
“Stuff the Bus” brings together volunteers, sponsors and local organizations to collect and distribute new backpacks filled with essential school supplies, such as binders, notebooks, crayons and pencils. This year’s campaign aims to ease the financial burden on families and ensure that nearly 13,000 students living in unstable housing conditions have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
In mid-August, the collected backpacks will be distributed by MCOE’s Homeless Liaisons directly to students in need, helping to set a positive tone for the upcoming school year.
The campaign is supported by numerous local businesses and organizations, including American Water, Aviatrix, Bay Federal Credit Union, Comcast, Driscoll’s, Marriott Monterey, Montage Health, Pacific Valley Bank, Pinnacle Bank, Pro-Act, Rotary Club of Pacific Grove, US Bank, Wescom Credit Union, West Coast Community Bank and Yellow Brick Road Charity Shop.
United Way Monterey County continues to accept financial donations to meet the increasing demand for supplies. To learn more or contribute to the “Stuff the Bus” campaign, visit unitedwaymcca.org or contact Lopez at cr***********@***********ca.org.
