Every year, Santa Cruz County Office of Education and United Way team up to host Stuff The Bus to gather essential backpacks and school supplies to help prepare youth for the new school year. Backpacks and supplies are provided to youth currently experiencing homelessness and/or other hardships.

Data from the County Office of Education states that there are 3,821 youth who are currently experiencing homelessness or extreme hardship in Santa Cruz County. 

With your help, we are aiming to donate 3,000 backpacks with new school supplies to Santa Cruz County youth who need them. Your donation will send youth back to school fully equipped and on the pathway to success!

There are several ways to contribute including:

• Donating a pre-filled backpack

• Volunteering to fill backpacks with essential school supplies

• Corporate Sponsorship

The last date to contribute is August 13, 2022.