RTA and ATU donate school supplies to Boys and Girls Club

(DAYTON, OHIO) … The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) helped local students start the year equipped to learn with a donation of school supplies to the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton (BGCD). 

The agency’s internal annual “Stuff the Bus” drive ran from July 21 to Aug. 11. The RTA and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1385 combined to donate enough backpacks, school supplies and after-school snacks to fill an RTA paratransit bus. 

“We are thankful to RTA and ATU for their generosity in donating school supplies, backpacks and snacks for Dayton youth,” said Crystal Allen, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton. “As a result of your support, more than four hundred young people received backpacks and supplies to start the school year with confidence, helping them feel prepared, encouraged, and ready to succeed. Your commitment reminds youth that their community is behind them every step of the way, and we are grateful for your partnership in our mission.”

The Foodbank Inc. graciously offered to help store and sort the donations ahead of distribution due to limited space caused by ongoing improvements to BGCD’s facility.

RTA and union leadership helped hand out hundreds of backpacks pre-filled with school supplies to students attending the club’s annual Back-to-School Community Block Party on Aug. 18. 

About BGCD: For more than 90 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton has specialized in youth development by providing access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning experiences. The club also provides members with mental and behavioral health support, healthy meals and snacks, and critical academic intervention. For more information about the organization and how you can support its mission, please visit www.bgcdayton.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristi Newton (937) 425-8379, Communications and Community Relations Manager