This Sunday (December 11) you can drop off any unwrapped toys, gift cards, or non-perishable items outside of Canadian Tire and help 'Stuff the Bus.'

This is the 6th year the Cochrane Area Events Society (CAES) has been hosting the event, which is the final push for the Cochrane Activettes, Share Your Christmas Campaign.

Marina Chabbert, President of CAES, says this year the event aligned with the Activettes sorting day. "They are doing their sorting at Girl Guides camp (Camp Jubilee), so we can bring it directly there and the toys don't need to go to storage. It makes it better facilitation wise to have it on Sunday."

All toy donations should be unwrapped and Chabbert says like years prior, there is a struggle to fill one particular age group. "Accommodating teens and adolescents. So the adult size pajamas, outerwear, gift cards, electronic items such as earbuds and stuff like that. It is always the gap where there are less items brought forward so we try to reinforce that age group."

Chabbert is always amazed to see the big yellow school bus overflowing with community generosity. "I am always very surprised because it is a full-size school bus and last year we filled every seat. Once we go to transport to the camp then we need to pack it just so it doesn't obstruct the view. It is so great and encouraging to have that response in our community. It is rewarding to go to that camp and unload that full bus."

Stuff a Bus would not be possible without the support of Southland Transportation and the many volunteers that come together. 

You will find members of the Cochrane Activettes, CAES committee and community volunteers on site from 11 am to 3 pm to help you with your donation. If you are wishing to lend a hand Chabbert says they could use a few more people at Camp Jubilee from 3 to 5 pm to help unload the bus.

Lastly, Chabbert encourages everyone to dig deep this holiday season. "If you are out and about on Sunday pick up something; drop by, say hi donate a little item, money, bring food items, just come and participate and be part of this great community initiative."