San Mateo Sheriff's Office Asks You to Help 'Stuff the Bus'

The following is a news release from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office:

With collection barrels at dozens of county locations and several events planned county-wide throughout the month of December, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office will deploy its Community Policing Unit throughout the county to provide toys and gifts to hundreds of needy kids in this Holiday season.

Better known as “Stuff the Bus”, the annual effort is a collaboration between the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Community outreach organizations SAL (Sheriff’s Activities League), and C.A.R.O.N. (Community Alliance to Revitalize our Neighborhood), and local cities, businesses, chambers of commerce, as well as key public safety organizations including the Redwood City Fire Department, Redwood City Police, and the Redwood City Police Activities League (P.A.L).

As the cost of living increases in San Mateo County, many working families are unable to afford to celebrate the Holidays with gifts. Last year, approximately 700 families were served by this effort.This year, more need is anticipated, even the county’s more affluent cities.

“The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is committed to supporting the San Mateo County/ Redwood City Toy Drive events and activities which helps families throughout our county who are unable to purchase gifts for their children”, says Sheriff Greg Munks.

Sworn personnel from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, Redwood City Police , the Redwood City & San Carlos Fire Departments along with community volunteers, including local service clubs, have placed toy collection barrels at various locations in the communities of Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, San Carlos, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero and La Honda.

Gifts of unwrapped toys, games, books and more will be accepted throughout the month of December. Cash donations will also be accepted.

And while collection barrels will be accessible all month, Stuff the Bus collection events will take place December 6th at Bianchini’s Market, San Carlos, Toys R Us, Redwood City, and Toys R Us, Foster City, and December 8th in downtown Half Moon Bay at Inkspell Books.

Children of all ages are welcome to come and share the Holiday spirit, meet uniformed deputies, explore Sheriff’s Vehicles, see mascot “SAL” the Salamander, and maybe even Santa!

“We feel privileged to be able to help families in our county during the holiday season,” Sheriff Munks says, “the smiles on the faces of the children who receive the gifts is precious.”

For more information on San Mateo County Stuff the Bus collection events & times visit: www.sheriffsactivitiesleague.com.