PORT ORCHARD — Volunteers participating in the 10th annual South Kitsap School District “Stuff the Bus” event effort on June 1 collected nearly 6,400 pounds of food and $750 in cash donations for South Kitsap Helpline’s food bank.

The volunteers, who included school district bus drivers, were stationed at Safeway and Albertsons grocery store entrances to gather donations from area residents.

“Stuff the Bus” volunteers take a break at their grocery store collection station June 1. (SKSD photo)

“A big thank you to everyone who stepped up to help with this event, said Jay Rosapepe, SKSD’s transportation director.

“Chairperson Michelle Ives-Lewis did an outstanding job coordinating volunteers and working with Safeway and Albertson’s to make this happen. It is inspiring to see so many give their time, their hearts and their wallets for such a worthy effort.”

South Kitsap Helpline’s food bank provides food for many of the 40,000 people in the county who struggle to put provide for their families, according to the nonprofit agency.