A relatively new but growing holiday tradition returns this weekend as the Clarkston School bus drivers host their third annual ‘Stuff-a-bus? charity drive.
Bus driver Tammy Layton started the drive as a way to give back to those in need locally.
‘A lot of fCamilies in Clarkston need help during the holiday season,? said Layton, who decided to donate all the items and money from the drive to the Clarkston chapter of Lighthouse Emergency Services.
Layton said the group started with the goal of filling a single school bus full of donations. By the second year, the group had already doubled their intake.
This year, the bus drivers will once again have two buses and two different locations on Dec. 9-10. Look for a Clarkston school bus in front of two Krogers located on Dixie Highway, one at the intersection of Maybee Road and the other near Davisburg Road.
Tina Fay, another Clarkston bus driver, said the group is looking for new toys (unwrapped) and clothing, personal care items, nonperishable food items, grocery gift cards, and monetary donations.
‘If people want to give, we’ll take it,? said Fay.
They only have two buses to fill, but she’s sure they could fill more with the outpouring of support they have gotten in the past. Fay said there is no shortage of bus drivers looking to help.
‘Some of our kids even look forward to doing this,? Fay said. ‘It helps the community and it’s near and dear to everybody’s heart.?
As in previous years, the bus drivers will make a special stop at Lighthouse the next morning, Dec. 11, after dropping off students at school, to unload all the donations. Last year, in addition to two school buses filled to the brim with donations, the drivers donated $3,000 to Lighthouse.
This year’s event will run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at both locations. If you miss the event but would still like to donate, the Clarkston branch of Lighthouse is located at 6330 Sashabaw Rd. and can be contacted at 248-620-6116.