25th annual Stuff the Bus saw record toy and gift card donation Saturday

The 25th annual Stuff the Bus toy drive, held Saturday, December 2, 2023, brought a record number of toy and gift card contributions for children in need in the Treasure Valley. A total of 8,272 toys – 30% more than last year – and nearly $1,400 in gift cards – more than double last year’s value – were donated.   Stuff the Bus – an annual collaboration from the Salvation Army, Fred Meyer, KTVB, and Valley Regional Transit (VRT) – aims to fill VRT buses with new toys or gift cards for children of all ages.   “We are proud to connect the community to places they love to be all year, and this time of year we are especially happy for the chance to connect people in the Treasure Valley to opportunities to give back to the community,” said VRT CEO Elaine Clegg. “I am always amazed by their generosity and holiday spirit.” “Thanks to our operators, who always do a wonderful job, and to everyone who volunteered and contributed,” Clegg added.  VRT buses – along with more than 100 volunteers – were parked in front of all seven Fred Meyer stores in the Treasure Valley on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to collect donations. Volunteers and VRT operators assisted with loading toys on board, tallying contributions, and generating excitement for the event.   At the end of the event, the toys were bagged up and driven to Salvation Army distribution centers in Boise, Nampa, and Caldwell. The Salvation Army will distribute the items to families in need throughout the community.   In the 25 years VRT has participated in Stuff the Bus, more than 173,000 toys have been donated.  The season of giving continues through Saturday, December 9th with 7 Cares, Idaho Shares, Idaho’s biggest food drive. The Saturday event, hosted at Albertsons Stadium and other donation sites, celebrates the final day of the two-week virtual donation drive. A VRT bus will be on-site and serve as a warming station. Learn more and participate.