Help ‘Stuff the Bus’ for Reach Out Lakota Oct. 12-23

The Lakota Board of Education’s 19th annual district-wide food drive for Reach Out Lakota will run Oct. 12 through Oct. 23, aiming to meet or exceed the all-time record-breaking collection of almost 60,000 items two years ago. 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. 

"Stuff the Bus represents the absolute best of our Lakota community in action,” said Lakota Board of Education President Kelley Casper. “This drive isn't just about collecting canned goods. It’s about making sure our neighbors, our students and our families have what they need to thrive. Reach Out Lakota is a lifeline to so many of our own Lakota families. Filling our buses helps ensure that no Lakota student or neighbor goes without.”

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 2025, the organization assisted Lakota residents more than 16,200 times, serving over 3,200 individuals. With nearly 200 new families seeking help from Reach Out Lakota last year, the pantry saw a 22 percent increase in overall client visits compared to the year prior.

That increase is compounded by the year-over-year increases that the organization has seen every year since 2020. After all, approximately 10,400 people in West Chester and Liberty townships are living below the poverty line, nearly one third of which get assistance from Reach Out Lakota. Just over half of the individuals served are children under 18 years old. 
"For over three decades, Reach Out Lakota has stood shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors during their most challenging times,” said Brenda Yablonsky, CEO and executive director for Reach Out Lakota. “We are more than a pantry. We represent hope, dignity, and support for those who need it most.” 

"With increasing food insecurity, a challenging economic climate and a growing number of families seeking support, Reach Out Lakota is more essential than ever in providing hope and stability to those in need,” Yablonsky continued.

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 30 percent of our own families considered economically disadvantaged, 'Stuff the Bus' donations go back to many of our own students and their families who don’t have access to a healthy breakfast or enough food to make it through the weekend," reminded Lakota Superintendent Ashley Whitely. "With that in mind, we extend this challenge to those Lakota families who are able to help. Our community’s generosity and compassion goes into overdrive for this event every single year and I can’t wait to see the results we produce together again this year." 

Despite the centralized mission, the District always issues a friendly district-wide competition to help encourage participation. Last year’s top-performing school was Independence Elementary, which received a special trophy that travels to the top school each year. The winning school, determined by the most items collected per student, will also receive a visit from the Jolly Treats ice cream truck.