In its third year, the San Benito County United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” project collects backpacks, school supplies and donations to help low-income and homeless children around the county be prepared for school. The supplies are distributed through the San Benito County Office of Education. Last year, this event raised more than 700 backpacks filled with school supplies. This year, United Way has a goal of 1,000 filled backpacks.
The San Benito County Office of Education estimates there are 500 children in our county classified as homeless or in transition. They are living with their families in shelters or motels–or their families have lost their homes and have moved in with relatives or friends. Help us send our neediest students back to school ready to learn.
On July 20, the City of Hollister will proclaim July 1 through August 8, 2015 as “Stuff the Bus” month, and encourage residents to contribute to this worthwhile United Way Initiative. The city is recognizing the importance of all local youth having backpacks and school supplies to begin the school year prepared and ready to learn.
Our generous Gold Sponsors are GoKids,Inc., Pacific Scientific and Rabobank. Our Platinum Sponsors are Calvista Insurance Agency, Brent Redmond Transportation, Rotary Club of Hollister, and Diane and Larry Barr. At the Silver Level are Dassell’s Petroleum, Marilyn Ferreira/Intero Real Estate, Karen Fink/Remax Properties, Jim Fosdick/State Farm Insurance, Graniterock, Greenwood Chevrolet, Heritage Bank, Hollister Collision, Hollister Super, Richard W. Shelton Insurance, Teknova, Tiffany Motor Company, and True Leaf Farms. Our Bronze Sponsors are ANSR Pharmacy, Anytime Fitness, Calera Wine Co., Coutnry Rose Café, David Baumgartner/Intero Real Estate, Dennis’ Body Shop, Dino’s Construction, Inc. Edward Jones/Mark Vivian, Hogue Bros. Collistion Center, Janice Wagy, Kristi Ellington Financial, Krystal Lomanto, Kunz Team/Intero Real Estate, Mark Nicholson Construction, Nino Real Estate, Phil & Vicki Fortino, Sylvia & Tony Jaime. United Way is still accepting corporate sponsorships and filled backpacks that will go towards our goal. Visit our website www.unitedwaysbc.org to sponsor or donate.
Community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies at Heritage Bank, Rabobank, San Juan Bautista Vistior’s Center, Target, United Way Office, Wells Fargo Bank and the YMCA. Look for the yellow school buses! The campaign runs until August 8th, when volunteers will gather at the Target parking lot in Hollister, to “Stuff the Bus” with donated school supplies.
To learn more including locations of collection buses, list of needed items, to volunteer, or donate online, visit www.unitedwaysbc.org.
