Stuff the Bus to benefit needy students

Students who are facing a new school year are usually nervous and excited, not knowing what to expect and the challenge of making friends if they are going to a new school. Rudy Salas, partnering with the City of Shafter, Richland School District and Shafter Healthy Start, are alleviating a lot of worries for students who also have the concern of having enough supplies to have a successful school year. Assemblymember Rudy Salas held a Stuff the Bus event in Shafter on Saturday August 3 at the Dollar General parking lot, located off of Lerdo Highway. The event was the third in a series of Stuff the Bus events put on by Salas. He also held events in Delano and Wasco.

The event saw several volunteers collect donations of supplies needed for the upcoming school year such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, and other items that a student would need to be a success in the classroom.

The supplies collected, according to Athena Skapiniakis of Assemblymember Salas' office, will go to Shafter Healthy Start, which will distribute the supplies to those families in need before the school year begins. "Last year, we made an announcement about the give-away and distributed the items that way. This year, we believe that Healthy Start, who has personal dealings with the families in the area, will have a good idea of who is need of the supplies and will distribute them accordingly."

There were several groups on hand to assist with the drive, including the Shafter Lions Club, Classic Dreams Car Club, Girl Scouts Troop 2447 and Shafter Healthy Start. "We appreciate all of our sponsors and those who donated items for this special event.," added Skapiniakis.

Salas said that drives such as this will go a long way in preparing the children for the new school year. "By working together we were able to help provide a lot of students here in Shafter with essential school supplies that kids need to be successful in school."

Salas also added, "When our students succeed, it benefits the entire community. "

Salas thanked the sponsors and those who volunteered their time and energy to this drive.

The event means that a good portion of the students who might be unprepared for the school year will have that concern off of their minds. "I am so grateful for the people who put this on. They don't realize how much of a blessing this is," said Leticia Nagana, who has two kids attending Richland schools this year. "When you add in the school clothes, supplies like paper and pencils, backpacks, folders, it can get really expensive," said Nagana.

The Stuff the Bus events are held by Salas, partnering with organizations throughout the 32nd Assembly District to help students achieve academic success.