Just in time for the beginning of the school year, a collection drive benefitting local schools and children in Lassen County is in full swing thanks to Lassen Rural Bus, Lassen County Search and Rescue, Paratransit Services and a host of sponsors who are joining forces to ‘Stuff the Bus’ with backpacks and school supplies.
During the 2011 holiday season, LRB, Lassen County Search and Rescue/Toys for Tots and Paratransit Services combined for the first annual holiday ‘Stuff the Bus’ event. Collection barrels and jars were placed around the City of Susanville, as well as local communities in Westwood, Chester, Standish, Litchfield, Johnstonville, Janesville, Doyle, Herlong and Milford.
Overall over 300 pounds of food, 6 large bags of toys, 2 large bags of children’s clothes, and cash was collected by Lassen Rural Bus alone.
Every year, students are required to provide their own school supplies. For those who are unable to, teachers and schools do their best to make sure every student has what they need to succeed.
By ‘Stuffing the Bus’ with supplies, it will relieve some of the burden of schools, teachers and students. Schools can divert funds that would have gone toward supplies to other meaningful activities.
Donate a backpack or a school item on the bus and ride for free during the ‘Stuff the Bus’ event, from now through August 13th. Backpacks and school supplies will be delivered to the Superintendent of Schools for distribution county-wide to those who need them.
Cash donations will also be collected. All cash donated will be used to supplement any shortfall of specific items.
Look for ‘Stuff the Bus’ collection boxes and jars at participating locations throughout Lassen County. A suggested list of supplies has been developed for those who wish to help but aren’t sure what is needed.
The list will be available at all participating ‘Stuff the Bus’ locations and on line at www.lassentranportation.com, and http://lassencountysar.org. Additional ideas may be available on your child’s school website.
Non-perishable food items will also be collected to help stock the shelves for Crossroads Ministries.
According to Cheri Farrell, Executive Director of Crossroads Ministries, summer months are particularly challenging for them because the holiday giving season has ended but there are still many people who need food and depend on Crossroads. During the “Stuff the Bus” event, non-perishable food items can be donated on the bus in exchange for a free ride.
Major sponsors of this worthwhile event are the Lassen County Times, Supreme Graphics, Double X Country Radio 100.7 FM, 96.3 JACK FM radio, KTOR (The Torch) radio 99.7 or 99.3 FM, Paratransit Services, and Lasco Signs and Screenprinting.
Lassen Rural Bus, and Lassen County Search and Rescue would like to thank you, the community, and our sponsors for your generous support of this exciting event. For more information, please contact the Lassen Transit Service Agency at (530) 251-8288 or LRB at (530) 252-7433.
