“Community Initiative Collects Funds for Back-to-School Supplies for Homeless Students in San Diego County”

Annual SDCCU Stuff the Bus Campaign Aims to Support Homeless Students in San Diego

As the new academic year approaches, concerns arise regarding the challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness. Access to essential school supplies should not be among these challenges. The SDCCU Stuff the Bus campaign is addressing this issue head-on by collecting monetary donations aimed at providing vital back-to-school supplies for students in need.

Now entering its 11th year, the Stuff the Bus initiative is a collaborative effort involving the San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU), the San Diego County Office of Education, and iHeartMedia radio stations as part of the broader Live Well San Diego initiative. This year, donations can be made online or in-store at select Jersey Mike’s locations throughout San Diego County. The campaign emphasizes the notion that even a modest contribution can significantly impact the lives of students facing adversity.

“Each year, we receive affirmations from educators about the profound difference these supplies make in the lives of the children who receive them,” stated Susie Terry, coordinator of Homeless Education Services at the San Diego County Office of Education. “For struggling families, something as basic as a fresh backpack or a new set of pencils can instill hope, dignity, and a sense of normalcy in their lives. The Stuff the Bus campaign genuinely transforms lives, and we are grateful for the ongoing support that helps our students feel recognized, supported, and prepared for learning.”

The need is pressing, as over 23,000 school-age children in San Diego County were reported as experiencing homelessness during the previous academic year. This situation can manifest in various forms, including residing in shelters, living in cars or trailers, or cohabiting with multiple families in a single residence. Importantly, the issue of homelessness is not confined to downtown San Diego; it permeates suburban districts throughout the county, underscoring its widespread nature.

Teresa Campbell, President and CEO of SDCCU, reiterated the importance of community support, stating, “We are proud to partner with the San Diego County Office of Education, iHeartMedia, and Jersey Mike’s once again this year to ensure that students in need return to school equipped with new supplies, ready to engage academically alongside their peers. The generosity of the San Diego community is continually inspiring.”

Donations to the campaign are being accepted in-store at select Jersey Mike’s locations, all SDCCU branch locations, and online at sdccu.com/donate. Contributions will be accepted until July 31, 2025, providing ample time for community members to participate in this valuable cause aimed at enriching the educational experiences of some of San Diego’s most vulnerable students.