Stuff-a-bus campaign begins

In the spirit of giving back this holiday season, Bloomington Transit and the Salvation Army are continuing with their 13th annual Stuff-A-Bus for underprivileged families.

The goal of the project is to stuff a transit city-sized bus with donated and unwrapped new toys, children’s coats and mittens.

On Friday, Bloomington Transit unveiled a festively decorated bus featuring a colorful holiday exterior design that will be used for this year’s project.   

This bus will travel to various shopping centers and retail stores around Bloomington from Thursday to Dec. 16, including stops at CVS Pharmacy east, WonderLab, Sam’s Club, K-Mart east and west, and T.J. Maxx.

Brenda Underwood, the project’s coordinator, said each year about 500 families sign up for the program, with each of the items going to more than 1,000 children.

“The most important thing is that all of these donated items go to local families here in Monroe County,” Underwood said.

After the project concludes, the Salvation Army will distribute the donated items to needy children and families living in Monroe County who are signed up to receive them.

In 2012, Stuff-A-Bus collected more than 2,900 donated toys and articles of clothing combined.

Underwood said the event originated in Monroe County in 2000 and was founded by Bloomington Transit General Manager Lew May.

 Before coming to Bloomington, May participated in a similar project and said he felt it would be a great aspect to add to Bloomington during the holiday season, Underwood said.

In addition, Underwood and her staff are also promoting the project for residents who are looking to give back this holiday season.

“This is a community event,” Underwood said. “The community’s always been very generous in helping out, and we’re always looking for volunteers to assist us.”

The event will kick off from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Thursday at CVS Pharmacy east. Just as in season’s past, this year’s Stuff-A-Bus is anticipated to bring a happy holiday experience to many deserving families around Monroe County.

“Last year’s Stuff-A-Bus was incredible,” May said. “We’re looking forward to a bigger and better year and encourage the community to continue their generous
support.”

— Brett Frieman