ICAN partners with Operation Back to School Chandler to make Stuff the Bus Sponsored by Fulton Homes the Best Year Yet

June 12, 2014

ICAN is teaming up with “For our City” and “Stuff the Bus” at Chandler Fashion Center sponsored by Fulton Homes to collect back-to-school donations for disadvantaged youth. Join ICAN from June 6^th through July 13^th at Chandler Fashion Center to donate school supplies and basic school necessities that will go to elementary, middle school and high school-aged students in the Chandler area. This drive not only helps ensure that Chandler area students are ready to learn but that they also have the tools needed to succeed this upcoming school year.

As in previous years, there is an actual full-sized school bus parked in Chandler Fashion Center. The school bus also features original artwork from ICAN youth on a huge 18-foot banner. ICAN volunteers as well as other local supporters will be manning the bus during mall hours through Sunday, July 13^th. Additionally, monetary donations can be made through PayPal by visiting www.chandlerfoodbank.org and clinking on the donation link. Be sure to specify that the donation will be going to the “Back to School Drive.” A $25 donation, online or in person, will provide one Chandler student with a fully stuffed backpack.

 Last year, more than 3,000 backpacks full of supplies were donated to Chandler area youth from the Stuff the Bus drive sponsored by Fulton Homes. This year, with the help of the community, we are increasing that goal and hoping to acquire more than 5,000 backpacks, filled with supplies, donated. Items needed include: backpacks, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, highlighters, markers, index cards, crayons, glue sticks, filler paper, folders, composition books, colored pencils, erasers, dry erase markers, pencil case, construction paper, rulers, school uniforms, socks and shoes.

Supplies can also be donated through July 1^st at these additional Chandler locations:
• Chandler Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road
• Chandler Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Road
• Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley-Compadre Branch, 300 E. Chandler Boulevard
• Matthew’s Crossing, 1368 N. Arizona Ave #112
• Chandler Y, 1655 W. Frye Road

For more information please see, http://www.forourcity.org/Back_to_School_Drive.html.

Melissa Jimro
Senior Vice President of Programs and Community Impact, ICAN
President, Chandler Non-Profit Coalition