Help ‘Stuff the Bus’ for Reach Out Lakota Sept. 29 - Oct. 10

The Lakota Board of Education’s 18th annual district-wide food drive for Reach Out Lakota will run Sept. 29 through Oct. 10, aiming to meet or exceed last year's record-breaking collection of almost 60,000 items. 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 shows the true heart of our schools,” said Board President Julie Shaffer. “We are so proud of this community tradition and grateful to our students, staff and families for always rallying behind it. More and more of our own students and families turn to Reach Out Lakota in their times of need and this is one way we can 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 2024, the organization assisted Lakota residents more than 13,400 times, serving over 2,800 individuals. With 220 new families seeking help from Reach Out Lakota last year, the pantry is seeing a 20 percent increase in overall client visits compared so far this year.

That increase is compounded by the 30%-plus increases that the organization has seen every year since the pandemic. Approximately 5,000 people in West Chester and Liberty townships are living in poverty, 60% of which get assistance from Reach Out Lakota. 

"Reach Out Lakota has been helping families in Lakota for over 33 years," said Brenda Yablonsky, CEO and executive director for Reach Out Lakota. "These are your classmates, neighbors and co-workers who are struggling and sometimes just need a temporary hand-up to overcome unfortunatel life circumstances. 'Stuff the Bus' is by far our largest food collection and we couldn't do what we do without the support of the schools." 

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 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 families who are able to help. Last year was a record-breaking year and I know we can bus the record again!" 

Despite the centralized mission, the district is issuing a friendly district-wide competition to help encourage participation. Last year’s top-collecting school was VanGorden Elementary, which received a special trophy that will travel to this year’s top school. The winning school will also receive a visit from the Jolly Treats ice cream truck. 

Since introducing the “Stuff the Bus” theme, the drive has seen a steady year-over-year increase. But last year, the Lakota community busted the all-time record collecting nearly 60,000 items.