‘Stuff the Bus’ Drives Big Results for Reach Out Lakota

Once again, the Lakota community came together in a powerful way to “stuff the bus,” collecting over 51,000 food and hygiene items for Reach Out Lakota. This year’s total nearly doubled the approximately 27,500 items collected in 2023 for West Chester and Liberty townships’ primary source of emergency food and clothing relief. The total was just shy of last year’s unprecedented record-breaking total of almost 60,000 items (helped by a special local connection at one school).

These results were made possible by the fact that 14 Lakota schools increased their totals over last year, with some schools seeing triple and even quadruple growth. Check out our Facebook album highlighting collection efforts across the entire district. 

“We are beyond grateful for this amazing support we get from the Lakota school community,” said Brenda Yablonsky, the director for Reach Out Lakota. “So many families right here in our community who are struggling will receive both food assistance and hope, thanks to everyone pulling together to help our neighbors.”

The “Stuff the Bus” food drive, now in its 18th year, was started by Lakota’s Board of Education. “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 traveling trophy, held by VanGorden Elementary for the last year, returns to former champion Independence Elementary School, which collected 7,161 items—an average of 12.5 items per student. Their efforts will be celebrated with a special visit from the Jolly Treats ice cream truck and the ceremonial passing of the traveling trophy at this year’s East vs. West football game.

“Reach Out Lakota is such an outstanding community resource and what a partnership Lakota has with them to meet the ever-changing needs of our families,” said Independence Principal John Mattingly, who shared that his sixth graders were particularly driven after losing the trophy to VanGorden last fall. Having experienced victory as both third and fourth graders, they came up with a fun plan they coined “Operation Get the Trophy Back” to inspire their peers to give.

"Mrs. Englebert and I also enjoyed challenging our school communities' support towards this wonderful cause. I am truly inspired by the giving,” Mattingly continued. 

Rounding out the top three schools behind Independence: VanGorden Elementary with 5,242 items (8.2 per student); Liberty ECS with 2,446 items (6.9 per student); and Hopewell ECS with 4,742 items (6.9 per student).

As always, creativity and competition drove participation this year district-wide, including these examples:

• Hopewell Junior School sparked excitement with a principal face-off. Assistant Principal Mr. Kesse, representing the seventh grade, had to wear an Ohio State jersey all day after losing to Mr. Cripe and the victorious eighth graders—a tough moment for a loyal Michigan fan!
• Independence Elementary kept the energy high with a friendly rivalry against VanGorden and grade-level contests that rewarded winners with extra recess or dance parties.
• At Plains Junior, the quirky “Beans Bus Awards” added humor and motivation. Golden baked bean trophies and daily leaderboard announcements kept students engaged and eager to win bragging rights.
• Lakota West High School saw a generous boost when one teacher donated a $500 Kroger gift card, helping the Firebirds contribute significantly once again.

“This drive is a shining example of what Lakota can accomplish when we come together,” said Superintendent Dr. Ashley Whitely. “The creativity, leadership and compassion shown by our students and staff is truly inspiring. Of course, the real winners are the families served by this incredible community effort.”