Back2Basics: Helping Local Kids and Families Thrive
July 28, 2025
Back2Basics: Helping Local Kids and Families Thrive
The entire Whatcom County community is invited to stuff the bus and help local families thrive as they prepare for the coming school year! Opportunity Council is collaborating with Blue Skies for Children to help families gain access to the essentials and secure the best possible outcome for their children through the Back2Basics campaign. We’ve got multiple drive locations throughout Whatcom County, and this basic needs drive and fundraiser will culminate in a Stuff the Bus event on Monday, August 11. Be sure to stop by the Lakeway Fred Meyer in Bellingham between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day to donate basic needs items, stuff the school bus, and help set families up for success before school starts.
What items do families need? Think laundry detergent, composition books, and even financial donations to cover ASB cards and field trip fees. We’re collecting donations of new, unopened basics for families, move-in basics and back-to-school basics. (For the list of needs, visit oppco.org/back2basics).
Futures shine bright when basic needs are met. Our community’s future will be defined by our ability to foster the health and well-being of our next generations. Our future prosperity depends on the investments we make now, and begins by ensuring every family has what they need to provide their children with the safe, healthy environment they need to grow up healthy and give back to their community.
By making sure every family’s basic needs for food, housing, safety, and health are met, you can set children up for success in school and protect them from the toxic stress caused by poverty.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
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About Opportunity Council
For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.
About Blue Skies for Children
Since 1997, Blue Skies for Children has facilitated access to essential resources and growth opportunities for children facing financial hardships and housing instability. Our mission is to raise hope and self-esteem in school-age youth across Whatcom and Skagit Counties through partnerships with local businesses, school districts, and other social service organizations. By sponsoring enrichment access and meeting other essentials, we provide youth with opportunities that shape their futures and foster a sense of equality with their peers, regardless of financial circumstances.
The entire Whatcom County community is invited to stuff the bus and help local families thrive as they prepare for the coming school year! Opportunity Council is collaborating with Blue Skies for Children to help families gain access to the essentials and secure the best possible outcome for their children through the Back2Basics campaign. We’ve got multiple drive locations throughout Whatcom County, and this basic needs drive and fundraiser will culminate in a Stuff the Bus event on Monday, August 11. Be sure to stop by the Lakeway Fred Meyer in Bellingham between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day to donate basic needs items, stuff the school bus, and help set families up for success before school starts.
What items do families need? Think laundry detergent, composition books, and even financial donations to cover ASB cards and field trip fees. We’re collecting donations of new, unopened basics for families, move-in basics and back-to-school basics. (For the list of needs, visit oppco.org/back2basics).
Futures shine bright when basic needs are met. Our community’s future will be defined by our ability to foster the health and well-being of our next generations. Our future prosperity depends on the investments we make now, and begins by ensuring every family has what they need to provide their children with the safe, healthy environment they need to grow up healthy and give back to their community.
By making sure every family’s basic needs for food, housing, safety, and health are met, you can set children up for success in school and protect them from the toxic stress caused by poverty.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Make a financial donation: Monetary gifts allow us to meet the unique needs of individual families. Whether for school activity fees, ASB cards, emergency childcare, or other basic needs, financial contributions make it possible for families to get the help they need most, right when they need it. Donate online here.
- Help Stuff the Bus: Drop off donations at our Whatcom County “Stuff the Bus” event happening Monday, August 11th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lakeway Fred Meyer! See the list of items we’re looking for at oppco.org/back2basics.
- Donate items to a drive location before August 11th: Can’t make one of the “Stuff the Bus” events but still want to help provide basic needs items? Stop by one of our participating drive locations with your donation. We’re also collecting school supplies at the Oak Harbor Walmart on August 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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About Opportunity Council
For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.
About Blue Skies for Children
Since 1997, Blue Skies for Children has facilitated access to essential resources and growth opportunities for children facing financial hardships and housing instability. Our mission is to raise hope and self-esteem in school-age youth across Whatcom and Skagit Counties through partnerships with local businesses, school districts, and other social service organizations. By sponsoring enrichment access and meeting other essentials, we provide youth with opportunities that shape their futures and foster a sense of equality with their peers, regardless of financial circumstances.
Contact:
Emily Martens
emily_martens@oppco.org, (360) 319-0809
