‘Stuff the Bus’ returns to help fill student needs

HUNTSVILLE – Summer officially begins Thursday at exactly 3:51 p.m. and ends early Sept. 22.

Long before then, however, the coming school year will be in full swing; as early as the first day of August for some students.

With that in mind, Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and Equity Community Awareness For Youth (CAFY) is hosting two “Stuff the Bus’’ events throughout the Huntsville area June 29 and July 6 for students ages 12-18.

Students and families who need help with supplies before the start of the 2024-25 school year are invited to the annual CAFY Back to School event July 13 from 9 a.m.-noon at Calhoun Community College’s Huntsville campus at 102 Wynn Drive.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for families and students to receive much-needed food and school supplies before the new school year begins,” ODEI Director Kenny Anderson said. “The CAFY event is a fantastic way to start the year off right, with a mix of essential support and some fun thrown in for good measure.”

Other partners in the initiative are the City of Madison, Madison County, Huntsville City Schools, Refuge Church, One Generation Away and Huntsville Parks & Recreation.

There will be free backpacks, school supplies, career static displays, food, fun, entertainment, prizes and resources offering youth services, mentors, guidance and other assistance.

 Also, there will be Free Family Groceries for a week drive-through sponsored by Refuge Church through OneGenAway, with one allocation per vehicle while supplies last.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or to donate funds or bookbag items contact [email protected] or 256-783-1793.

STUFF THE BUS
(June 29 and July 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.):

Walmart locations

• 2200 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville
• 3031 Memorial Parkway, Huntsville
• 6140A University Drive, Huntsville
• 8650 Madison Boulevard, Madison
• 330 Sutton Road, Owens Cross Roads

Dollar General locations

• 2340 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville
• 4120 Triana Boulevard, Huntsville
• 2806 Holmes Avenue, Huntsville
• 4710 University Drive, Huntsville
• 2301 Meridian Street, Huntsville

Target locations

• 2750 Carl T. Jones Drive, Huntsville
• 6275 University Drive, Huntsville

Office Depot

• 2306 Memorial Parkway, Huntsville

Staples

• 9032 Memorial Parkway, Huntsville

CAFY is an annual initiative managed by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for students ages 12-18 in Huntsville and Madison County. This program equips young people with the essential tools for a successful transition into adulthood, focusing on four pillars of success: health, education, careers and finances.

Besides the annual Back-to-School event, CAFY honors outstanding students at City Council meetings. Sponsors provide invaluable networking opportunities, connecting youth with local organizations that offer mentoring, guidance and program assistance.

For more information, visit the CAFY Facebook page.