WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Seats on one Luzerne County Transportation Authority bus are filled, but not with people.
The Luzerne County Transportation Authority in Wilkes-Barre is serving as a temporary workshop for the father of Christmas, Santa Claus.
Cold weather, snow showers expected this week in NEPA
The group effort is all to stuff the bus for Toys for Tots.
“He’s working on the sleigh, he’s working with the reindeer, and the elves are working so hard that we need honorary elves to step up and come up and donate some toys in these wonderful boxes,” said Mrs. Claus, North Pole.
In its 10th year, the Stuff the Bus event is taking place at the Walmart Supercenter in Pittston on Saturday.
Last year alone the region collected around 70,000 toys benefiting local families.
“Every child should have something to open on Christmas day.” said Bob Fiume, executive director, LCTA. “Those 70,000 in this area have gone to over 22,000 children so it’s very important.”
The collection already starting strong to fill boxes with the help from local businesses.
“You can see how generous people are and you don’t always see that. On an everyday basis, you don’t always get a chance to see that, but this is something where you really do see the good in people,” said Gretchen Wintermantel, marketing & communications director, LCTA.
To contribute to the drive, you can bring new, unwrapped toys for kids up to 14 years old, or cash donations.
“I don’t think there are words to explain the impact that it has on parents and kids just knowing that they get to unwrap a gift on Christmas day,” said Staff Sgt. Artris Almengo, U.S. Marine Corps/Toys for Tots coordinator.
An act of kindness that could put you on Santa’s good side this time of year.
“We can get them on that nice list this year.” said Santa Claus, North Pole, “we still need your support, we need to fill this bus up with toys.”
Saturday’s event runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Toys for Tots officials say they’re collecting toys for all ages, but are always in need of more gifts for kids 10 and up.
