Help ‘Stuff the Bus’ for Reach Out Lakota Sept. 30 - Oct. 11

The Lakota Board of Education’s 17th annual district-wide food drive for Reach Out Lakota will run Sept. 30 through Oct. 11. In true “WE are Lakota” fashion, the district is challenging families, staff and community members (who are able) to help “stuff the bus” with canned goods and other non-perishable items most needed by the primary food and clothing pantry for families in West Chester and Liberty townships. Donations can be dropped off at any Lakota school or Central Office. 

“This annual tradition is an opportunity to show the power of ‘WE are Lakota',” said Board President Julie Shaffer. “We are so proud to have kept this tradition alive all these years and so grateful to our students, staff and families for always rallying behind it. Reach Out Lakota is a staple in our community, now more than ever, and we are always happy to show our support and be part of the solution.”

The district-wide food drive is Reach Out Lakota’s largest collection and hits during a time when the shelves are emptying out from the summer rush. In 2023, the organization received over 12,000 visits for meals, clothing and personal care items. More than 50 percent of those receiving assistance were children living within Lakota’s boundaries. They also welcomed over 200 new families, a 68% increase from the year prior.

The need in 2024 is even greater. On average, Reach Out Lakota’s pantry visits are 31% higher than the previous year. According to Reach Out Lakota, this increase can be attributed to rising food and housing costs. 

"When those Lakota buses pull in, it's about the happiest day of the year at our pantry because we know what's coming in the door is enough to keep our bins filled for months," said Brenda Yablonsky, CEO and executive director for Reach Out Lakota. “It's the largest food collection that happens and it's healthy food that kids need to come to school ready and not hungry and ready to focus.”

The drive is open to the entire community. Donation bins are available at every Lakota building for the duration of the drive. View this year’s “Stuff the Bus” food drive flyer to see a list of items most needed by Reach Out Lakota.

“With 32 percent of our own families considered economically disadvantaged, 'Stuff the Bus' donations go back to many of our own students and their families," reminded Lakota Superintendent Ashley Whitely. "With that in mind, we extend this challenge to those families who are able to help. Together, we can make this the best year yet!" 

Despite the centralized mission, the district is issuing a friendly district-wide competition to help encourage participation. Last year’s top-collecting school was Independence Elementary, which received a special new trophy that will travel to this year’s top school.

Since introducing the “Stuff the Bus” theme, the drive has seen a steady year-over-year increase. Last year, the Lakota community filled nearly three school buses with over 27,500 items, matching the record-breaking total from the prior year.