Raising donations during an event for the whole family, Young Kia will partner with the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation to host Stuff the Bus on Sept. 13 at 11 a.m.
“This is one of our dealership’s favorite annual projects,” said Dallin Breshears, general manager at Young Kia. “Our location is passionate about education, and we understand how important it is to prepare kids for the classroom. We’re grateful for this incredible opportunity to give back.”
Featuring face painters, games, refreshments and balloon artists, Stuff the Bus will invite attendees to make a contribution of either funds or school supplies to local HeadStart programs — which provide free preschool education to children from low income families. Young Kia will also donate $10,000, plus $5 for every entry made to a coloring contest hosted at the event.
Following the festivities, Young Caring for Our Young will deliver the collected resources to Davis School District. Two winners from the coloring contest will be selected as well to receive a Nintendo Switch.
“Stuff the Bus’ success is rooted in the lasting impact it’s capable of making,” said Kellee Belnap, director of Young Caring for Our Young. “Entering kindergarten with the ability to read, count and spell basic words sets children up for a thriving educational career, and that can start with what we’re doing this week.”
An initiative that began 12 years ago, Stuff the Bus is one of Young Kia’s two main annual charitable initiatives. Before each summer, the dealership provides Davis School District’s teacher of the year with an all-expenses paid, one year lease on a new vehicle — a reward that Lakeside Elementary educator Hollie Fischer received this May.
Along with Stuff the Bus, Young Caring for Our Young recently finished their 15,000 pantry pack challenge, where they worked with local businesses to assemble meal kits for students experiencing hunger. A nonprofit founded by the Young Automotive Group, the organization divides their work across four focus areas: clothing, hunger, education and wellness.
“One quality of the Young Automotive Group I love is the commitment to charity,” said Breshears. “They understand that delivering excellence extends beyond efforts in the showroom and service area. Our community in Layton does so much for us, so it’s always meaningful to engage with them on initiatives that make a difference.”
