United Way Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education have launched the 17th annual Stuff the Bus campaign, with a goal of providing 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and other hardships.
The campaign, which began July 1, is seeking donations and corporate sponsors to help provide backpacks to students before the start of the school year. A $30 donation covers the cost of one backpack stocked with school supplies.
This year also marks the first time the campaign will include smaller backpacks designed specifically for Transitional Kindergarten and early childhood students.
According to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 2,866 TK-12 students were identified as experiencing homelessness during the 2024-25 school year under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
That includes 2,322 students who were living doubled up with other families, 308 who were unsheltered, 171 living in shelters and 65 staying in hotels or motels.
“The first day of school should be a moment of excitement and belonging for every student,” Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah said. “For families facing homelessness, housing instability or other hardships, basic school supplies are one more financial burden. Stuff the Bus is one way our community helps students start the year with confidence, knowing they are seen, supported, and have what they need to succeed.”
United Way Santa Cruz County CEO Yvette Lopez Brooks said the annual campaign helps remove one barrier for students and families already facing significant challenges.
“A backpack filled with school supplies can help a student walk into class feeling prepared, confident and supported,” she said. “Stuff the Bus reflects what is possible when our community comes together around children and families, and we are grateful for the donors, volunteers, sponsors and partners who make this campaign possible each year.”
The campaign will culminate with the Stuff-A-Thon on Aug. 1 from 10am-1pm at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, where volunteers will fill backpacks for distribution to students throughout the county.
The event is held in partnership with the Santa Cruz Warriors and supported by UPS.
People interested in donating, volunteering or becoming a sponsor can find more information at unitedwaysc.org/stb.
