ST. GEORGE — Going back to school requires a lot of stuff: backpacks, school supplies, earbuds, USB cables and the like. For some families in Washington County, getting the needed materials can present a true hardship.

That’s why a local car dealership and Canyon Media are stepping up to help out with their “Fill the Bus” initiative.

Findlay Subaru purchased an old bus from the Washington County School District, which is being filled with school supplies donated by members of the community. From there, the Washington County School District Foundation says it will work to ensure each student has what they need to learn and grow this semester.

Each year, teachers dole out an estimated $750 of their own money to buy supplies for their classrooms. Findlay Subaru General Manager Curtis Whitehead is hoping the “Fill the Bus” program will alleviate that expense for teachers.

Whitehead said he is impressed by the overwhelming response from the community so far. More than 140 backpacks along with school supplies and other items have been dropped off at the dealership. Some individuals and local businesses are also coming forward with additional cash contributions and gift cards.

“It’s been a great opportunity for people who want to jump in and help,” Whitehead said. “It’s quite humbling how much they want to help and give back.”

Adopt a Classroom

As part of its “Subaru Loves Learning” program, Findlay Subaru is also adopting six classrooms at Dixie Middle School. Findlay Automotive Marketing Director Karyn Keanaaina said $3,000 worth of school supplies are being delivered in boxes that can eventually be converted into butterfly gardens.

“There’s a wax paper lining inside of it and once they take the supplies out, there’s a way to make little planter boxes,” Keanaaina said. “There’s even a little lesson they give to the teacher so they can teach them about how butterflies grow.”

Keanaaina said the materials for the “Adopt a Classroom” program are paid for by Subaru and are separate from the “Fill the Bus” initiative, which is local and unique to the St. George dealership.

“They really want us to be involved with our community, “ Keanaaina said. “We’re more than happy to contribute to them.”

Helping homeless students

Donations from the “Fill the Bus” and “Adopt a Classroom” programs couldn’t come at a better time. An estimated 700 students in Washington County were identified as homeless last year. The current housing crunch likely means that number hasn’t improved. Mike Carr, the support services coordinator for at-risk and homeless students in the Washington County School District, said this is a community problem.

“Any one of us could become homeless at any point in time,” Carr said. “If you have an injury or illness that makes it so you can’t work, then you get behind on your bills really quickly.”

Carr said it’s important to help kids dealing with homelessness to feel welcome and included in the classroom. This means helping these students fit in by having the things they need for school.

“We also help kids with hygiene products and clothing so they can look and feel their best,” Carr said.

Carr said free food and other courtesies are extended to homeless students to ensure they have optimum circumstances for succeeding in school.

“A student that is experiencing homelessness can get free breakfast and lunch,” Carr said. “They can get their fees waived and can enroll without the normal things like birth certificates and shot records. Those things we can work on after we get them enrolled.”

To facilitate the growing needs in Washington County, a “Counselor’s Closet” has been established at the Washington County School District Foundation office. Counselors can pick up supplies from this closet and discreetly distribute them to students in need.

If the public would like to help, there is a continued demand for school supplies. Additionally, gift cards for things like shoes, socks, underwear, food or even entertainment places that families usually can’t visit because of the cost are appreciated, officials said.

Findlay Subaru will continue to serve as a drop-off location for back-to-school donations. Monetary contributions can be made through the Washington County School District Foundation website at https://washk12.org/foundation/donate.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.