Stuff the Bus 2026 Food and Funds Drive Supports Local Students

BURLINGTON, Wash. — The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is sharing the following community information to help spread the word about an important effort supporting local children and families throughout Skagit County.

The 2026 Stuff the Bus Food and Funds Drive is underway September 14–27, benefiting the Helping Hands Food Bank CHOW (Cutting Hunger on Weekends) Program.

The CHOW Program provides nutritious weekend meals to local students who may not otherwise have reliable access to food when school is not in session. These meals help provide children with consistency and peace of mind while supporting their ability to focus, learn and grow.

This year, Stuff the Bus is expanding its community collection opportunities through partnerships with Farmstrong Brewery and Skagit Speedway.

Community members are encouraged to participate by donating food, making a monetary contribution or simply helping spread the word.

Most-needed food items include:

• Cereal
• Granola bars
• Pop-top soups
• Chili and stew
• Canned pasta
• Canned chicken or tuna
• Fruit cups
• Peanut butter
• Canned applesauce
• Boxed juice

Food donations may be dropped off at participating collection locations at Farmstrong Brewery and Skagit Speedway. Those wishing to coordinate a donation drop-off in Anacortes may contact Tara Havard at tjhavard@marathonpetroleum.com.

Monetary donations can also be made directly to Helping Hands Food Bank. Checks may be mailed to:

Helping Hands Food Bank
P.O. Box 632
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Donors should write “Stuff the Bus 2026” in the memo line so their contribution can be credited to the campaign.

Every donation, regardless of size, helps provide meals and support to local children through the CHOW Program.

“Together, we can fill hearts with hope, fuel young minds, and remind local children that their community cares.”

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to help share opportunities like Stuff the Bus that connect our community with meaningful ways to support our neighbors.