United Way and Child Abuse Prevention Foundation “stuff The Bus” for kids in foster care

April 29, 2009 - PRLog -- All children need outdoor activity. But for abused and neglected children, many in foster care, athletic outlets are often limited; some foster parents can’t afford the gear required to outfit kids for healthy fun. When compounded with statistics citing childhood obesity at epidemic levels in the state and higher-than-average in the county (25% of San Diego’s middle-schoolers are considered overweight), sports become even more essential.

With these factors in mind, United Way of San Diego County joins the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation for STUFF THE BUS, a donation drive to collect new sports equipment and help strike out sadness amongst the 10,000 abused and neglected children in San Diego County. With help from our Supporting Players – the Junior Seau Foundation, Sport Chalet, and KFMB – community donations of bats, balls, boards, and more will STUFF THE BUS on Thursday, May 7. The bus stops in Mission Valley’s parking lot, near Sport Chalet, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“Athletics is essential for all children,” said NFL great Junior Seau. “Through Stuff the Bus, these foster kids will have access to the same health and fitness joys as other children, while building self-esteem and learning important social skills like team building.” All four local Sport Chalets will participate in the collection during store hours (9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) with drop-off bins situated near the register. Discounts will be offered for in-store purchases. Collection bins will also be located at United Way, the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, and Seau’s restaurant in Mission Valley.

“We want to help these children connect with sports, stay fit, and build a better sense of self,” said United Way CEO Doug Sawyer. “And the onset of spring and summer is a perfect time to participate in athletic outdoor activities with children,” added Hon. Susan Golding, CEO/President of the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation.

For more information about Stuff the Bus, contact United Way at 858.492.2000 or visit uwsd.org and type in keyword: Stuff the Bus. To donate new sporting equipment, visit your local Sport Chalet at an area location listed below, or at the United Way offices at 4699 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, Ca 92123.

3695 Midway Dr, Sports Arena • 619.224.6777
1640 Camino Del Rio N, Mission Valley • 619.718.7070
4525 La Jolla Village Dr. # D19, La Jolla • 858.453.5656
177 South Las Posas Dr., San Marcos • 760.744.1804

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About United Way of San Diego County
United Way of San Diego County is a nonprofit organization that improves lives and creates lasting change by raising money and mobilizing the community to solve education, income and health issues. To learn more about the United Way or to donate, please visit www.uwsd.org.

About Junior Seau Foundation
For 15 years, the Junior Seau Foundation has given San Diego-area youth ongoing support in the form of scholarships and financial support for a variety of programs. The Foundation achieves its mission through financial contributions from corporations and individuals.

About the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation
The Child Abuse Prevention Foundation strives to break the cycle of child abuse, through prevention, education, advocacy and funding. Since its formation in 1981, the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation has distributed nearly $20 million for the care of abused kids in San Diego County.