This Saturday (December 15) is your opportunity to help Stuff A Bus (or two) in support of the Activettes 'Share Your Christmas Campaign.'

For seven years, Stuff A Bus has provided one last opportunity for community members to drop off unwrapped toys, clothing items, gift cards, and monetary donations for those needing a hand up this holiday season.

Each year Stuff A Bus gains momentum, shares Marina Chabbert, President for Cochrane and Area Events Society, and the generosity shown by others is heartwarming. "Last year we had to empty the bus halfway through because we ran out of room, so this year we are getting two."

The Stuff A Bus event definitely helps drive donations, says Chabbert, and this year like those in the past they are hoping Cochranites once again dig deep. "They will accept non-perishable foods, monetary donations, as well as the toy drive. CAES is primarily focusing on the toy drive because the food drive is already on the go. Of course, we'll accept everything and anything that is brought forward but the toy drive is for kids and teens as well."

Donated toys should be left unwrapped and gifts for teen boys and girls is an area they constantly struggle to fill. "Teens are always a difficult bracket to purchase for;  we would suggest PJs in all adult sizes, gift cards for iTunes or gift certificates for the movies or bowling, electronic gadgets such as earbuds, and we would also suggest outerwear like toques, scarves or anything pretty neutral."

The two buses donated by Southland Transportation will be parked at Canadian Tire from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Chabbert says this year they are adding on a new element. "We are doing vintage free Santa photos if you bring along a donation. It's going to be a very different scene than what is typically the Santa scene; we have a real 100-year-old vintage horse-sleigh coming in from Alex Baum (Cochrane Toyota), printed backdrops, decorated trees from Canadian Tire, Father Christmas, and vintage furs which people can choose to wear if they want, just to give that special vintage feel."

Chabbert says they are excited to add this extra element to the day and although the event has always been well supported they are hoping the addition may draw in a few more folks to donate. "We encourage people to stop by; bring a toy or even purchase a toy at Canadian Tire as they will be discounting some toys for Stuff A Bus. It's a great opportunity to come in, browse through the store, purchase a gift if you don't already have one, stay for a picture, and have a hot chocolate."

Pictures will be snapped by professional photographer Wendi Forster and emailed out, which can then be forwarded on to family and friends, and free hot chocolate will be provided as well. Chabbert wanted to give a special shout out to the Calgary Hitmen for donating 400 teddy bears to Stuff A Bus and with 350 children on the list she shares all children including teens will receive one.

More than anything, Stuff A Bus is the last reminder that if we choose to work together we can ensure everyone has a great Christmas morning. "It is just to give them a little something to open so that everyone has a wonderful Christmas."