Group of volunteers holding up school supplies

Two volunteers high fiving

Group of volunteers in front of school buses with Stuff the Bus sign

Stuff the Bus is a countywide initiative dedicated to equipping children living in homeless or near-homeless conditions with essential school supplies. In 2025, nearly 13,000 students in Monterey County were identified as homeless, highlighting the critical need for community support. Through collective efforts, the campaign successfully provided 6,700 backpacks filled with necessary supplies to these students, ensuring they start the school year prepared and confident.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Stuff the Bus initiative. Their dedication and hard work are pivotal in unpacking donated school supplies and assembling backpacks for distribution. By contributing their time and energy, volunteers help promote learning, encourage positive self-esteem, and ensure that youth stay in school. Their involvement not only supports the academic success of these students but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.

 

 

I volunteer with Stuff the Bus because I have this big passion for helping others and I believe everyone should be happy and have the opportunity to enjoy school supplies just how we all do...If you do good things, good things come your way. Yazmin GODINEZ 2025 Stuff the Bus volunteer

 

 

 

NO CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Thanks for your interest in volunteering! We don’t have any current opportunities available, but please fill out the form below to join the wait list.

Contact Information
Volunteer Opportunities
Please choose any or all you are interested in.

 

Are you interested in signing up to be a tax preparer or intake specialist through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program?
Please use this form to sign up directly for that volunteering opportunity. 

 

Be in the know about the work UWMC does to help support the individuals and families in Monterey County!

 

SPONSOR STUFF THE BUS & EMPOWER LOCAL STUDENTS

2026 Stuff the Bus Sponsorship form

 

Questions? Please contact Crystal Lopez, Community Relationship Manager, at crystal.lopez@unitedwaymcca.org.

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

 

Bay Federal Credit Union Logo

 

California America Water Logo

 

Jim and Ruthanne Guy

Monterey County Office of Education

 

Montage Health

Pacific Valley Bank. Let's get this done.

 

PRO*ACT

US Bank

Wescom

 

 

West Coast Community Bank

Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop