The spirit of giving was in full swing as the local community came together on December 2 to support United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” initiative. This event aimed to provide local children in need with a brighter holiday season.

Residents from the Mount Dora area were invited to the Walmart parking lot, where they found the Mission United bus eagerly waiting to receive their contributions. The event resulted in approximately $2,500 worth of new toys being donated.

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties (UWLS) is committed to making sure every child in the community experiences the joy of receiving a gift during the holiday season. To achieve this goal, they will be utilizing the monetary donations received to purchase even more toys for the cause.

If you missed the event and still wish to contribute, there are two ways you can help spread the holiday cheer. You can donate new, unwrapped toys by bringing or shipping them directly to the UWLS office located at 32644 Blossom Lane, Leesburg, FL, 34748. Alternatively, for those who prefer to donate money to support the purchase of toys, visit uwls.org/donate and make sure to specify “Stuff the Bus” in the comment box.

The Stuff the Bus project has been a collaborative effort, made possible through partnerships with the Kiwanis Club of Umatilla and the Tavares Police Department.

“We had a pretty good turnout, but we still need some help to push us over the top,” Rachel Whetstone says. “We’re accepting toys at the office until Dec. 15, and monetary donations with ‘Stuff the Bus’ in the comment box at uwls.org/donate.”

Every contribution makes a difference in brightening a child’s holiday season.

Let’s come together to ensure that no child goes without a gift this Christmas by supporting “Stuff the Bus” and spreading the warmth of the holiday season throughout our community.