The Shafter Press - Serving the community since 1922

The community of Shafter can be counted on to support the students in Shafter, be it buying candy to raise funds for trips to providing school supplies for the school year.

On Aug. 6, a Stuff the Bus event collected backpacks, pencils, paper and other supplies that the kids will need.

Assemblymember Rudy Salas, partnering with Shafter Healthy Start and several local clubs and organizations, were at the Dollar General Store in Shafter, filling a big yellow school bus.

Isabel Gutierrez of the Shafter Healthy Start said the event was a big success, with over 250 backpacks collected, along with a large number of other supplies.

Jamie Stewart | The Shafter Press

Girl Scout Troop 2447 helped pack supplies in the bus.

Mike Ayon, Gilbert Alvarado and Don Luna of the Shafter Lions Club also were on hand to help organize the event. Several groups from Shafter were involved, including the Kiwanis Club, Girl Scout Troop 2447, the Shafter He-Man Woman Haters' Club, who by the way, made a large donation of backpacks.

All of the backpacks and supplies collected will be distributed on Tuesday – the start of school –, with any community member welcome to come by the Shafter Healthy Start office to pick up a backpack.

"This is such a great event," said Monica Guillermo, who was there dropping off a few backpacks. "There are a lot of kids that don't have the necessary equipment and supplies to begin school. I am excited to help out any way I can."