Aurora Youth Commission hosts “Fill the Bus” donation drive to combat food insecurity
The Aurora Youth Commission (AYC) is inviting the community to take part in their
Fill the Bus donation event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at
Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place. The city of Aurora’s youth services school bus will be parked up front with student volunteers who are hoping to fill the bus to the brim with non-perishable goods and hygiene items that will benefit their community.
“When our city liaisons were asking us what we want to do for our community project, I thought this was a great way to give back to our community,” said Misha Rai, Vice Chairwoman of the AYC. “Especially since I work at one of the recreation centers and noticed families and other individuals in need who take the free meals that are provided at the centers.”
The city of Aurora currently has a partnership with Aurora Public Schools where hot meals are provided to youth from 2 to 6 p.m. at city recreation centers. When students are on school break, meals continue to be available to students on weekdays through the
We Are Aurora Youth program. Even with programs like the free after-school meals provided APS, food insecurity continues to be a critical issue for many families face in the Denver metro area.
“I know there was a time when my family was experiencing a lot of food insecurity, and this is a way for me to give back to my community. Knowing the struggles that they are going through was the motivation for me to do what I do,” said Meron Adumer, Chairwoman of the AYC.
Donors are welcome to drop-off nonperishable goods at the
Fill the Bus event. Boxes will also be available at various city-managed locations, such as recreation center and libraries from Wednesday, April 1 to Thursday, April 9. Donated items will be sorted by volunteers and will be distributed to city recreation centers, libraries and the Little Flower Assistance Center.
“I think having food is a right. I don’t think people should be going hungry,” said Valeria Alaniz, Historian of the AYC.
For more information on requested donations and drop-off locations visit
AuroraGov.org/FilltheBus.
About the Aurora Youth Commission:
Comprised of 15 youth positions between the ages of 14 and 20-years-old, as well as four adult positions. The purpose of the Aurora Youth Commission is to advise City Council, the City Manager and the director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Space regarding the interests of youth in Aurora. The AYC also empowers youth to learn new skills, give back to causes they care about and have fun along the way. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month, August to May. Those interested in joining the commission can visit
AuroraGov.org/YouthServices.