CSUB Athletics to Help Bakersfield Rescue Mission

With Back-to-School Supply Drive

Fans Can "Stuff the Bus" at Men's and Women's Soccer Games

BAKERSFIELD, CA, August 17, 2010 - California State University, Bakersfield Athletics Department and Bakersfield Rescue Mission (BRM) are partnering to host the "Stuff the Bus" back-to-school supply drive.  "Stuff the Bus" is a designed to coordinate the donation and distribution of new school supplies to families in need in Kern County. The Mission is seeking school supplies donations, including paper, pencils, pens, glue, notebooks, backpack, hand sanitizer, and more.

"CSUB Athletics is thrilled to help support the Bakersfield Rescue Mission's back to school program, particularly as the school season approaches and the need for supplies grow for hundreds of Kern County families," said CSUB Senior Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Development, Karen Langston.

Community members will have the opportunity to donate on Friday, August 20 at the women's soccer game versus California State University, Fullerton and on Saturday, August 21 when the men's soccer team welcomes The Master's College. The CSUB cheerleader squad, outfitted in blue and gold, will be on hand to accept donations.

"Through our loyal and devoted fans, we are committed to using our sporting events as a platform to raise awareness for local organizations. This year, we are honored to do that for Bakersfield Rescue Mission, and we are confident our fans will respond with great enthusiasm and generosity", said Langston.

The goal of the program is to provide back-to-school supplies for local kids in need.  The children receiving the school supplies are part of Height Street Baptist Church youth outreach program, and the children of the Mission's Residential Program. Their families lack the means to get the necessary supplies for their children to start the school year.