Annual 'Stuff-A-Bus' Returns To Bourne
Bourne Public Schools and the town’s school bus drivers are coming together again to host the annual Stuff-A-Bus event on Saturday, December 10.
A school bus manned by drivers and volunteers will be parked at Bourne Intermediate School from 9 AM to 4 PM. Bourne Public Schools director of transportation Sue Downing said that this year, volunteers are able to accept both gift cards and toys to be given to local children, as opposed to the gift card-only transition that was made during the early years of the pandemic.
The event had humble beginnings. Nearly 20 years ago, the Enterprise reported, the event began to take shape after several bus drivers overheard conversations from children on their buses about how Santa Claus would not be visiting their houses that year. Since then, what started as bus drivers quietly and anonymously leaving presents has morphed into an annual, community-wide gift-giving event sponsored by school bus drivers.
In an email to the Enterprise, Ms. Downing said that all donations accepted stay in Bourne. The “sponsor a child” program through Stuff-A-Bus, Ms. Downing wrote, provides clothing and toys to Bourne students. The clothing part of the program is generously supported by Bourne’s teachers, parents and community members outside of BPS. Depending on what is donated at the Stuff-A-Bus event, gift cards and/or toys are given to Bourne families to help supplement the clothing and food, depending on their needs.
Community members are invited to stop by the intermediate school between 9 AM and 4 PM to drop off an unwrapped toy or gift card. Anyone who would prefer to drop off a donation at one of the schools is encouraged to do so; Ms. Downing said to tell the school that it is a donation for Stuff-A-Bus.
“We’re very excited to see everyone on Saturday and are hoping for a big turnout this year,” Ms. Downing said in a recent press release. “Every gift we receive goes directly to a child in Bourne. I want to thank everyone in advance for their generous donations and for helping to brighten the lives of those in our community who need it most.”
Some toys requested by students include LEGOs, Pokémon Cards, arts and crafts supplies, science kits, Tech Decks, Squishmallows, Mini Brand toys, and board/card games.
Suggestions for gift cards include Amazon, Target, Walmart, Stop & Shop, Market Basket, CVS and Game Stop.