Shreveport Readies for Joyful “Stuff the Bus” Toy Drive to Support Homeless Children

Shreveport Gears Up for the Annual “Stuff the Bus” Toy Drive!

Mark your calendars, folks! Shreveport is ready to spread some holiday cheer with the annual “Stuff the Bus” Community Toy Drive, bringing joy to children in need. This year, SporTran Transit is teaming up with Healthy Blue Louisiana and local schools to make the season brighter for over 1,200 homeless students in Caddo Parish. Can you believe that number? It’s a staggering reality that hits hard, especially during Christmas time.

What’s All the Buzz About?

For more than a decade, SporTran has been collecting toys and gifts to stuff into a city bus. This year’s drive runs from now until December 15, 2024. The goal? To gather enough new, unwrapped toys and gifts to fill a bus full of goodies for children who really need it. The donated items will be delivered to the Caddo Parish School Board on December 17, just in time for the CPSB Homeless Department to distribute everything before the winter break.

“In a perfect world, Christmas would be joyful for everyone,” says SporTran CEO Dinero’ Washington. “So often, that’s not the case.” This year, with support from Healthy Blue, SporTran wants to ensure that these children feel the joy that the holidays should bring. Just imagine being a child, focused on your studies, all while worrying about where you and your family will sleep at night. That’s a heavy burden to carry.

Get Involved!

The community is warmly invited to chip in. Bring your new and unwrapped toys to any of the participating locations across Shreveport. Not just individuals – businesses, churches, and community groups are encouraged to contribute. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone involved and make a giant impact!

Are you wondering what kind of gifts to donate? Here are a few ideas that can spark some joy: puzzles, board games, gift cards, footballs, headphones, RC cars, dress-up clothes, Barbies or baby dolls, books, and much more! And let’s not forget about the teenagers — we need to focus on middle and high school students too! They deserve some love during the holiday season.

Where to Drop Off Your Donations

Wondering where to drop off those precious toys? You can bring your donations to a variety of locations throughout Shreveport-Bossier. If you have a large haul, SporTran’s Holiday Bus is even offering to pick up donations from your doorstep. Talk about an easy way to help!

Join Forces with Local Businesses and Groups

Many fantastic community organizations have signed on to help out this year, including local churches, Sam’s Town casino, and Party with a Purpose. The National Panhellenic Council/Shreveport Council is also lending a hand. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that every child receives something special this Christmas.

Every little bit helps, and if we all pitch in, we can truly make a difference in the lives of the children in our community. So, let’s come together, Shreveport! This is our chance to show that we care. It’s that time of year where giving can shine the brightest light.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait too long! Gather those toys and gifts and join this wonderful cause. Let’s put smiles on the faces of those children who need it the most. Together, we can truly make this holiday season brighter.