By Donna Hopper
SooToday.com
Saturday, November 07, 2009

Stuff-A-Bus 2009 kicked off today at the Zellers Plaza, and organizers tell SooToday.com that the annual event is off to a fantabulous start.

Sault Transit driver Dale Ingram and wife Cathy were on hand collecting new and gently used items so less-fortunate children in the Sault area can enjoy a merry Christmas.

The dynamic duo have been involved in the project for 10 years and happily informed us that this first day of collection proved more productive than last year.

Acceptable donation items include new and gently used stuffed animals, toys, electronics, knit items such as hats, mitts and scarves, and coats and outerwear.

Unfortunately, Dale said that items that appeal to teens are usually in short supply.

Possible ideas for this age group are skateboards, MP3 players, video game consoles and games, sports equipment, and boots and outerwear.

The Stuff-A-Bus bus will soon be appearing at a location near you, including:

Nov. 14 - Canadian Tire from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nov. 18 - Teddy Bear Toss at the Soo Greyhound game from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Essar Centre)

Nov. 21 - Galaxy Cinemas from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 21 - Wal-mart from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 - Canadian Tire's "A Night to Remember" from 8 a.m. to midnight

Nov. 28 - A&P (Metro) Churchill Plaza from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Stuff-A-Bus campaign is generously supported by Sault Ste. Marie Transit and Rogers Radio.

As part of the Sault's Christmas Cheer initiative, Stuff-A-Bus helps bring joy to approximately 18,000 area households each year.