SAN DIEGO, Calif., (July 3, 2018) – Students face many hardships—school supplies should not be one of them. That’s why San Diego County Credit Union^® (SDCCU^®) has partnered with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and iHeartMedia radio stations in support of Live Well San Diego to collect school supplies for students experiencing homelessness.

“It is hard to measure the impact that our school supply drive has on our students countywide who are experiencing homelessness,” said Michelle Lustig, SDCOE Director, Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program & Homeless Education Services. “We know that our families feel supported when they find out that their children will have all of the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn just like all of their peers. The generosity of the community and the deep partnership with SDCCU makes this possible and we are so grateful for every backpack we are able to fill. Each year we strive to increase our impact and we are on track to do that again this year!”

More than 22,000 school-aged children were identified as homeless during the last school year. Homelessness for school-age children can mean living in a shelter, sharing a residence with multiple families, living in a car or trailer in San Diego County or sharing a room in an apartment with relatives. Homelessness is not limited to urban, downtown San Diego—it affects suburban school districts all over the county.

“SDCCU is proud to once again partner with the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia to help homeless students throughout the county start the new school year off with the supplies they need to be successful. We ask the entire community to please join us in this effort and donate to help students in need—a small donation of supplies can make a big difference in the lives of these students,” said Teresa Halleck Campbell, SDCCU President and CEO.

Everyone is encouraged to drop off supplies at any of the numerous locations in the community, including the convenient SDCCU branch locations in San Diego County. Two SDCCU Stuff the Bus school buses will also be on tour throughout San Diego County, along with iHeartMedia San Diego radio stations Star 94.1, Channel 93.3, JAM’N 95.7 and KOGO AM 600 through July 31, making periodic stops to collect supplies. Donations can also be made at participating Walmart locations July 9-31. For a complete list of drop sites, to find tour dates and locations or to donate online, visit sdccu.com/stuffthebus.

SDCCU, the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia are proud Live Well San Diego partners. The County Board of Supervisors launched Live Well San Diego in 2010 with the goal of achieving healthy, safe and thriving communities across the region by partnering with community and city leaders, schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and residents.

San Diego County Credit Union is San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution serving San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. SDCCU has assets of $8.4 billion, over 386,000 customers, 43 convenient branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa^® credit cards and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.