This year, the Camas Washougal Business Alliance (CWBA) kicks off Stuff the Bus with the same enthusiasm and a greater awareness. Each year, Camas and Washougal School districts compete to see who can raise the most food and take the trophy in a well known and friendly competition called Stuff the Bus.  The combined effort in 2010 brought over 71,000 pounds of food into the community to help people in need.  This year, the CWBA is very aware of the growing need for emergency food in our area and wants to make sure that the message gets out to those who can give.
Every bit of food that is collected for this event stays right here in the Camas and Washougal community.  The beneficiaries are; The C.A.R.O.L. Program, The Treasure House in Camas and Children’s Home Society in Washougal.  The C.A.R.O.L. Program is run by Brooks Cooper at the Camas Fire Department and provides holiday food and gift baskets to people in need throughout Camas and Washougal.  The Treasure House and Children’s Home Society are organizations that provide emergency assistance to children and their families who are in crisis in our community.  The CWBA is proud to be able to help provide donations that aid in their efforts, and this could not be accomplished without the help of the students at Camas and Washougal schools.
The high school students are an inspiration to watch as they work together for this cause.  Taking home the trophy is a very small part of why they work so hard to raise donations.  Their motivation and drive toward their goal every year is something that can’t be ignored.  Each student is aware of the positive effect this event has and is passionate about their community.
Each year they work with the elementary and middle schools in their district and get the children excited to help them win the trophy and collect non-perishable food donations.  They also visit local businesses to collect raffle and cash donations and organize other events to raise money such as collections at Safeway and Burgerville.
Everyone is invited to be a part of Stuff the Bus and there are many ways you can get involved.  “Like” the CWBA at www.facebook.com/cwbusinessalliance to keep in the loop about where they will be, how you can donate and new updates on supporting your schools.  Come to our Weigh In Party at Exterior Wood on December 9th, where you will find out who wins, enjoy food and refreshments along with hearing from both schools.  And finally, if you are interested in becoming more involved, visit www.cwbusinessalliance.com and contact us about becoming an official volunteer or even a member of the organization.
Help the CWBA and Camas and Washougal Schools as we strive for even more donations this year in order to meet the needs of people in our community.  Those that are asking for support could be our friends or our neighbors so remember that every bit counts!  You can find the most needed items list and more information on the CWBA’s website under Stuff the Bus.

Well, today it’s official.  Stuff the Bus is officially under way.  Last year, Camas and Washougal schools raised a combined total of about 71,000 lbs of food.  This year, we are going for 80,000 lbs.  Yes, that is correct – we have challenged the schools to raise 80,000 lbs of food and we think they can do it!

We are so excited to begin this year and have gotten a great response from the community.  Please keep up the support by donating cans of food or other non-perishable items to your local school or any official “Stuff the Bus” drop off location!