Stuff the Bus collected money to purchase over 8,842 filled backpacks and 244,497 school supplies for students experiencing homelessness

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (September 24, 2026) — San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, wrapped up another year of SDCCU Stuff the Bus and collected a total of $115,236 in San Diego County, exceeding its goal of $100,000. The monetary donations were used to fill 8,842 backpacks and purchase over 244,497 school supplies to help prepare students for success as they head back to school this year. The school supply drive, held in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and iHeartMedia radio stations in San Diego, encouraged supporters to make monetary donations online or in-branch at any SDCCU branch location. 

Local San Diego business joined forces to help support the important cause. The San Diego Wave were an integral part of the fundraiser, contributing a $10,000 donation through a matching day and portion of ticket sales from their July 11 game. The Hoehn Family of Dealerships, The San Diego Union-Tribune, Blue Shield, SD Printers, and Red Door Interactive also provided generous donations to help make the campaign a success. In addition, Vessel donated 3,000 premium backpacks to be distributed to students across the county.

“We are immensely appreciative of the overwhelming kindness from our community and everyone who contributed to making this year’s Stuff the Bus campaign a success,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “Your steady dedication empowers SDCCU to supply hundreds of students in need with school supplies throughout San Diego. Students are now prepared and excited to begin the new school year thanks to your donations.” 

SDCCU’s Stuff the Bus campaign provides students with supplies at 31 school districts, 25 charter schools, and 2 homeless youth drop in centers. According to SDCOE, more than 24,000 school-age children were identified as homeless during the last school year. Homelessness can mean living in a shelter, sharing a residence with whole families, living in a car or trailer, or sharing a room in an apartment with relatives. Homelessness is not limited to urban, downtown San Diego — it also affects suburban school districts in many areas. 

“Year after year, the San Diego County community shows their generosity and care for our most vulnerable young people during the Stuff the Bus campaign. Together, we can ensure our students who are experiencing homelessness have the school supplies they need to start the school year,” said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza. “We are grateful to everyone who donated, and to SDCCU for their continued support. Every dollar makes an incredible impact on the lives of our students and their families.”
 
“Each year, we hear from families how much it means to receive backpacks and school supplies as they prepare for a new school year,” said Susie Terry, SDCOE’s coordinator, Homeless Education Services. “These donations do more than provide essential items; they help students feel confident, included, and ready to learn. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to Stuff the Bus and helped make a meaningful difference for students experiencing homelessness throughout San Diego County.”
 
In addition to helping students in San Diego County, the Stuff the Bus campaign reached both Orange and Riverside counties through our partnership with The Angels Baseball Foundation. Donations were collected in-branch and online totaling $4,732, which helped purchase school supplies that were distributed to students at the Angels Baseball Foundation Back 2 School Event on August 4 and will continue to support the Angels Baseball Foundation. Stuff the Bus collectively raised $119,968 for students in Southern California. 

SDCCU Stuff the Bus aligns with the Live Well San Diego initiative. SDCCU, San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, SDCOE, and iHeartMedia are proud Live Well San Diego partners. The County Board of Supervisors launched Live Well San Diego in 2010 with the goal of achieving healthy, safe, and thriving communities across the region by partnering with community and city leaders, schools, businesses, non-profit organizations, and residents.

SDCCU is one of the nation’s top credit unions and was named one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions in 2026 by Newsweek and voted San Diego’s BEST Credit Union for 2026 in The San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll. SDCCU proudly serves the financial needs of customers in Southern California counties, including Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa® credit cards, and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership required. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #580585. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.

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