COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thank you to everyone who came out to our annual Stuff-A-Bus event Friday, and because of the generosity of so many of you, it was a success.
Volunteers spent Saturday morning unloading packed buses, filled with items meant to put smiles on the faces of those in need this Christmas.
"Oh, Stuff-A-Bus was so successful yesterday," Lisa Huffman with The Salvation Army said.
Bikes, baby dolls, game were just some of the hundreds of items donated at various Walmart's on Friday for the annual Stuff-A-Bus event.
"So many people in the Midlands, so generous and kind with their donations came to visit our three locations yesterday and they donated almost 2,000 toys yesterday, clothes bikes and food," Huffman said.
These stuffed buses came to the State Fairgrounds early Saturday morning to be unloaded by volunteers into their warehouse toy shop.
"This is the toyshop where volunteers come and help us set up the different age groups throughout the warehouse and set up all the toys and clothes and then they literally take shopping bags and they shop for each of our angels," Huffman said.
Over 2,000 'angels' will receive these donations on Christmas to ensure every child has a happy holiday season.
"It makes a huge difference for children to have a Christmas that they would not have otherwise," Huffman said. "It eases the burden of struggling families and it just makes our community one. We come together in the right spirits, so we just really want to say thank you."
You'll have one more chance to be part of the effort next Friday, December 11 as we'll be at four more Walmart locations. Those are posted further down in the article.
It’s been a year unlike any other. And it’s probably never been more important for the Midlands to come together as a community to lift up our neighbors. Many families are struggling, people have lost their jobs, their businesses, and their means to provide for their families. This Christmas season, giving just means more. Let’s take back 2020 with love!
And for those of you who open your hearts to take part in Stuff-A-Bus this year, please know that your safety is our number one priority. The 2020 Christmas Drive-Thru Edition is ready for you! Our staff and volunteers will practice all CDC recommended safety procedures. We’ll also make sure you never have to leave the safety of your vehicles. Simply pull up and one of our volunteers will transfer your donations directly from your car to the bus. Thank you for giving…thank you for making a difference!
DECEMBER 11th
From 6:00am – 7:30pm @ the following Walmart locations:
Two Notch – 10060 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, SC 29223
Harbison – 360 Harbison Blvd., Columbia, SC 29212
Sumter – 1283 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150
Columbia – 7520 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia, SC 29209