It’s the holiday season and the Towson University Veterans Center is ready to give to those in need with its annual “Stuff-a-Bus” toy and food drive.
For the seventh year the Towson University community will try to fill a school bus adorned with holiday decorations with unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items to donate to charity. All efforts will support Toys for Tots and the Maryland Food Bank.
This is the fourth year that Veterans Center has led the campaign, and Coordinator of Veterans Services Patrick Young said the drive keeps getting better.
“The event has gotten bigger and bigger every year,” Young said. “Last year was our biggest year since the Veterans Center became involved. We have a more coordinated effort this year, so we’re expecting big things this year.
Members of the Veterans Center staff and numerous volunteers stand in front of the “Stuff-a-Bus” bus on Monday evening. The lighting of the bus signifies the beginning of the “Stuff-a-Bus” event, which lasts from Nov. 30 until Dec. 13.
“This gives the campus something they can rally around and be able to make a large donation to some wonderful organizations.”
Other departments on campus who helped out with the “Stuff-a-Bus” drive included: Student Activities, Housing and Residence Life, Event and Conference Services and more.
The event began on Nov. 16 with the wrapping of the donation boxes that are located around campus and officially kicked off on Nov. 23 with the lighting of the bus, which is located on Osler Drive. Donations can be made starting Monday Nov. 30 with the drive ending on Dec. 13.
Donations can be dropped off where you see wrapped boxes at more than 50 donation points across campus, including many of the academic buildings. The main donation location is at the Veterans Center, in room 107 of the Psychology Building.
Donations can also be dropped off during the following special events and locations:
- The “Stuff-A-Bus” on Osler Drive will be accepting donations Nov. 30 through Dec. 13. Volunteers will be there from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- The President’s Holiday Celebration, Thursday, Dec. 10, 4-6 p.m., at the University Union Potomac Lounge.
- The Toys for Tots Benefit Concert featuring the Ken Ebo Jazz Orchestra, Sunday, Dec. 13, 7-9:30 p.m., at the Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall in the Center for the Arts building
Those who are interested in volunteering or taking part in the festivities can get more information by emailing bhaight@towson.edu or calling the Veterans Center at 410-704-2992.
