The eighth annual Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive is happening this weekend.

It's an initiative to collect as many toys and gifts for kids in need in the Cochrane area in support of the Cochrane Activettes Share Your Christmas Hamper Program.

The Activettes, who run the food bank, packed 269 Christmas hampers for local residents in need last year, which in turn helped over one thousand people during the festive season.

Cochrane & Area Events Society (CAES) Acting Chair Marina Chabbert says they're really trying to focus on the needs of older kids and teens this year.

She says "We always try to push and remind people to not forget the teen presents and that can be anything from gift cards to outerwear to pajamas to games to electronic presents. Anything that you think would be appropriate they would certainly appreciate."

If you donate a toy you will receive a free e-picture with yourself (& your kids) and Santa at the cottage roasting marshmallows by the fire.

Chabbert says "We are setting up for an elaborate photo shot like we did last year. We will be emailing a free family picture with a donation."

When they started this event eight years ago they only stuffed one bus and Chabbert says this year they plan to stuff a school bus as well as two COLT buses.

You're encouraged to bring unwrapped toys, gifts for adolescents and teens, non-perishable food donations and monetary donations. 

Stuff A Bus goes tomorrow (Saturday) Dec 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Canadian Tire parking lot.