With nearly 2,900 local students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, United Way Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and partners are once again joining forces to Stuff the Bus — a community-wide campaign to provide students with the school supplies they need to begin the school year ready to learn.
Starting July 1, the community is invited to support the 17th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive by donating funds directly or by signing on as a campaign sponsor. This year’s campaign aims to provide 2,500 filled backpacks to students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and other hardships across Santa Cruz County. Every contribution of $30 funds a backpack filled with school supplies for a student in need.
For the first time, the campaign will also include smaller backpacks designed specifically for Transitional Kindergarten and early childhood students, helping meet the needs of some of the county’s youngest learners.
“The first day of school should be a moment of excitement and belonging for every student,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah. “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.”
Santa Cruz County continues to face a severe housing crisis, contributing to high rates of homelessness and housing insecurity among local students. According to the latest data from the Santa Cruz COE, 2,866 students in grades TK-12 were identified as experiencing homelessness during the 2024-25 school year as defined under the McKinney-Vento Act. This includes 2,322 students who were doubled up with other families, 308 who were unsheltered, 171 living in shelters, and 65 living in hotels or motels.
“A backpack filled with school supplies can help a student walk into class feeling prepared, confident, and supported,” said United Way Santa Cruz County CEO Yvette Lopez Brooks. “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.”
Stuff the Bus culminates with the Stuff-A-Thon on Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Arena, where teams of volunteers will fill backpacks with donated school supplies for distribution to students in need. Held in partnership with the Santa Cruz Warriors, with support from UPS, the event brings together community volunteers, sponsors, and partner organizations to help prepare thousands of students for the new school year.
For more information about Stuff the Bus and how to get involved as a donor, volunteer, or corporate sponsor, visit unitedwaysc.org/stb.