More Than Just a Backpack

For 15 years, United Way of Santa Cruz County and the County Office of Education have partnered to make Stuff the Bus a vital source of assistance and encouragement for students.

The primary goal is simple yet profound: to provide new backpacks and school supplies to over 2,700 students in need across Santa Cruz County. This mission goes far beyond just handing out supplies; it’s about instilling confidence and readiness in young learners as they embark on a new school year. At United Way, we firmly believe that when youth thrive, the entire community thrives. This event embodies our commitment to youth well-being and the power of community support.

“In a community where the housing crisis and high cost of living cast long shadows, bright spots of hope and generosity shine even more. Stuff the Bus is one such beacon, providing support to thousands of students facing homelessness and other hardships,” said Keisha Browder, CEO at United Way of Santa Cruz County.Elaine Johnson, Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County and one of Stuff the Bus’s largest supporters and volunteers, understands the impact that Stuff the Bus can hold for students and families in our community.

“Growing up in a family of seven children, we often lacked the financial means to get school supplies,” Johnson said. “I vividly remember the struggle and embarrassment when the teacher gave me a note to take home, asking my parents to buy the items on the list. My classmates would pick on me for having used supplies—an old binder, broken pencils, and worn-out notebooks.”

As she got older, she said the community stepped in to help by providing school supplies.
“Receiving a box of new crayons made me feel valued and worthy,” Johnson said. “The backpacks filled with supplies are incredible, but they represent so much more. They lift the burden off families facing financial hardships, giving them the breathing room to not worry about their children lacking the tools they need to succeed in school.”

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Stuff the Bus, a significant milestone that reflects the spirit of giving in Santa Cruz County. We also exceeded our fundraising goal and were able to provide over 3,000 backpacks this year.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those who participated, including the Comcast team, whose third year of volunteering exemplifies their commitment to our community. Their continued support, along with that of all our volunteers, demonstrates once again that collective effort can bring about substantial change.

“The success of Stuff the Bus is a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve cultivated over the years. Working together with organizations like the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the Santa Cruz Warriors, UPS, and sponsors like Comcast we can support the academic journey of every student,” said Dawn Bruckel, Director of Development & Marketing at United Way of Santa Cruz County. Their contributions have ensured that each backpack is filled with essential supplies, ready to support the academic journey of every student.

United Way is deeply grateful to organize the fundraising efforts that power this impactful event each year.

We recognize that Stuff the Bus is about more than just physical items; it’s about creating opportunities for students to feel supported and motivated. As we look to the future, we are inspired by the stories of resilience and hope that emerge from our community. Each backpack distributed is a step toward a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Stuff the Bus is not just an event—it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the power of community, the importance of education, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed.

As we celebrate 15 years of making a difference, we invite everyone to join us in continuing this journey of support and compassion. Together, we can ensure that every student in Santa Cruz County starts the school year with confidence, hope, and the tools they need to thrive.

To learn more about Stuff the Bus, visit: www.unitedwaysc.org/stb

Amanda Gamban is the Program & Communications Officer for United Way of Santa Cruz County.