'Stuff the Bus' Food Drive Busts All-Time Record

The record-breaking results of Lakota’s 2025 “Stuff the Bus” food drive gave new meaning to this year’s theme, “Together WE Can…” Together, Lakota students, staff and families collected almost 60,000 items for Reach Out Lakota, more than double last year’s total and the most ever in the program’s 17-year history. The effort also yielded a new record for the most items ever collected by a single school. 

“This tradition has always been a source of tremendous pride for the Lakota community, but this year’s response took it to a whole new level,” said Lakota Board President Julie Shaffer of the Board-initiated program. “We are astounded by just how much our students, staff and families stepped up this year. We are beyond proud and humbled by these remarkable results.” 

Last year’s total of 27,500 items almost exactly matched the former record-breaking total set the year prior. The 2024 results, representing a 117% increase over last year, far surpassed the challenge to increase by 31% in order to match the increase the local pantry is seeing in overall visits this year.

“This year’s Stuff the Bus collection surpassed our greatest expectations,” said Reach Out Lakota CEO/Director Brenda Yablonsky. “It is by far the largest food collection we receive all year long – and it will all go to families right here in Lakota who are struggling with food insecurity. The generosity of all those who work in the schools and attend Lakota schools blows me away. The time, effort, and physical labor to transport all the food items to Reach Out Lakota is a major undertaking that we do not take for granted.”

Superintendent Dr. Ashley Whitely teamed up with student leaders from Lakota West High School to help kick off this year’s food drive with a special edition of her ongoing “Let’s Go Lakota” video series. 

“Every day, I am reminded of what this district is capable of when we all work together,” Whitely said. “The friendly competition driving this tradition was also fun to witness, especially when the root cause behind it was a shared desire to give back and help others. It’s one of the best lessons we can teach our students.” 

With student leadership groups at the helm of most schools’ collections and campaigns, students are historically the driving force behind the drive’s overall success. Such was the case this year at VanGorden Elementary School, where a small group of the school’s sixth grade math accelerated students led the charge. Using the free time they gain as a result of spending part of their day at the junior school, the group built and executed a campaign that generated over 9,000 donations for their school (pictured above) - and the highest average donation per student compared to all schools. 

For that, VanGorden is the new proud owner of the traveling trophy, which was passed on from last year’s reigning champion, Independence Elementary, during a special halftime recognition at the Oct. 18 East vs. West football game. All VanGorden students and staff also earned a special visit from the Jolly Treats ice cream truck, which generously donated a portion of the grand prize. 

“The VanGorden community's achievement as the highest donation count per student is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our students, families, and staff,” said VanGorden Principal Julie Engelbert. “I am so proud of our accomplishment as a school. However, I am most inspired by all the students, families and staff within the Lakota district. Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and the importance of giving back to our community. While we love the friendly district-wide competition, the real winners are Reach out Lakota and all the families that will be supported by our collective efforts.”

Lakota West High School contributed almost 12,000 items to the district-wide total, setting an all-time record for the most items ever collected by a single school. The Firebirds were led by students and advisors representing the Senior Board and Student Government Association, which issued a battle of the homerooms to encourage donations. 

One Firebird student spotlighted in Dr. Whitely’s kick-off video predicted this year’s drive would yield enough items to stuff five whole school buses. All estimates would suggest this prediction was true! 

Lakota’s “Stuff the Bus” is the largest annual collection for the primary relief organization serving families in West Chester and Liberty townships. It 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. Furthermore, more than 50 percent of those individuals receiving assistance were children living within Lakota’s boundaries.  They also welcomed over 200 new families, a 68% increase from the year prior.