Items sought for 'Stuff the Bus' charity drive

A “Stuff the Bus” collection to benefit local charities and U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will take place from Dec. 1 through Dec. 9.

“We recognize that things are very tough for everyone this year so we ask that you do what you can and please not try to overdo,” says Janet Freniere, transportation services administrator, who is organizing the collection.

“We will very much appreciate everything, from the smallest to the largest donations.”

This year, Freniere will arrange for items to be picked up at various locations. If people decide to collect in an office, residence hall, home, or apartment, they may contact Freniere at 860-486-4804 or Janet.Freniere@uconn.edu, and she will arrange for pick up.

Also, Mail Services has offered to collect items left with outgoing office mail.

Items needed include:

• non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereals. Please check expiration dates;
• toys and games for children of all ages, from babies to 15-year-olds;
• mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and gently used or new coats and jackets;
• items to be sent to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, such as playing cards, phone cards, batteries of all sizes, ChapStick, sunscreen, munchies, candy, toiletries (nothing in glass containers), paperback books, puzzle books, CDs, DVDs, travel-size games, etc.

Food items will go to the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic; mittens, gloves, etc., will go to the No-Freeze Shelter, also in Willimantic; and toys and games will go to either the battered women’s shelter or a local homeless shelter that houses children.

Freniere, a representative of Soldiers Angels, a support organization for U.S. service personnel, says she will personally make sure the items for the troops are mailed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Thank you all very much for your continued support,” she says.