The Antelope Valley Transit Authority’s (AVTA) annual Stuff-A-Bus campaign continues from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow at the West Lancaster Walmart on Valley Central Way, and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Palmdale Walmart on 10th Street West near Avenue O.
On Dec. 12 the Stuff-A-Bus campaign will take part in the Magical BLVD Christmas event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Lancaster Boulevard. This event will feature several thousand dollars worth of toys donated by the city of Lancaster and ReMax Realty. A final opportunity to provide Christmas presents to needy children will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the front entrance of the Antelope Valley Mall.
The campaign began last week with a specially-decorated bus operating on various bus routes across the Antelope Valley throughout the holiday season. It is the transit association’s yearly toy drive which has a goal of collecting enough new, unwrapped toys, clothing and gifts to completely fill a 40-foot city bus. The AVTA works with various charitable organizations locally who will eventually receive, wrap and distribute the presents before Christmas Day.
“Bringing joy to our neighbors and those who are in need is a great way to start the holiday season,” said Lancaster AVTA Board Chairman Marvin Crist. “By donating to Stuff-A-Bus, we can help make the holidays much brighter for many families in our community.”
The campaign started in the early 1990s as a way for the agency to help less fortunate children and families residing in the Antelope Valley. This year’s event will benefit families from Grace Resource Center, Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley, South Antelope Valley Emergency Services, Child and Family Guidance Center, Children’s Bureau of the Antelope Valley, and the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation.
“Our Stuff-A-Bus toy drive is an effort that we are all proud to be part of,” said Len Engel, executive director of the AVTA. “It’s a holiday tradition that not only helps those in need, but gives many others the opportunity to give back to the community. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
