What’s metal, painted black and yellow, rolls on wheels, and is coming to Santa Maria?
If you haven’t heard, Gus the Bus will stop in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in Santa Maria (2220 South Bradley) on Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gus will be there as part of a “Stuff the Bus” effort, which focuses on collecting school supplies that can be donated to schools. The program is a collaboration between Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Wal-Mart, the Santa Maria Bonita School District (which the fundraiser is aimed at), and the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce.
Local businesses that will be collecting donations until the day of Gus’s arrival include Bee Safe Key and Lock, Chez Jeania Antiques and Collectables (both at 906 South Broadway), and Cottonwood Canyon Winery on Dominion Road.
Because of a complicated mixture of a struggling state budget, an economic recession pressing hardships on families, and teachers who’ve been slammed with paralyzing school budgets, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way decided to expand the program from Lompoc to Santa Maria.
So, while you’re out at Wal-Mart, buying your child—or yourself—a pack of Ticonderoga pencils because they all broke due to tabletop drumming, go ahead and buy another pack for Gus. Remember: It’s not what can Gus do for you, it’s what can you do for Gus the Bus.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the program can visit uwcentralcoast.org or contact Jeannie Sayers, volunteer coordinator, at 922-0329, Ext. 115.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 17-24, 2009.
