Summer 2025

Each August before school starts, the United Way of Monterey County provides back- packs filled with school supplies to thousands of area kids who lack stable housing. B ack-to-school shopping trips can be com- plicated for children who lack stable hous- ing. Through its annual Stuff the Bus campaign, United Way Monterey County (UWMC) helps equip those students for the year ahead. )EGL yeEr tLe nonprofit purGLEses bulO backpacks and school supplies with funds from a summer donation drive. Volunteers Lelp 9;1' stEJJers fill tLose bEGOpEGOs 8Le 1onterey 'ounty 3JfiGe oJ )duGEtion [LiGL supports students who meet federal guidelines related to homelessness, then distributes the bags to children who need a helping hand. Nearly 13,000 Monterey County students are unLoused or lEGO E fi\ed residenGe [LiGL meEns they might sleep in cars, motels, shelters, public spaces or homes shared by several families. “Stuff the Bus is a reminder that there are many, many communities and families through- out our county that are really struggling. There is disparity,” says UWMC President and CEO Katy Castagna. The campaign regularly draws support from residents and businesses who care about educa- tion but might not know how to help. By fund- ing 7tuJJ tLe &us donors eEse JEmilies’ finEnGiEl GLEllenges End boost students’ selJ GonfidenGe “Giving those kids a backpack is like giving them a portable little educational sanctuary. It’s also a reminder that the community cares about their education,” Castagna says. For more information on donating or volun- teering, visit www.unitedwaymcca.org/stuff-bus or call 831/372-8026. United Way Connects Students With Supplies B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S SHORT CUTS GIVING BACK 90 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 Photo: © 2016 Salinas City Elementary School District