This article was contributed by Dariela Heredia.

We’re back with a bigger and better goal to make the holiday special for children in our community.

Every year, VTA works with the US Marine Corps to stuff a VTA bus full of new toys at “Christmas in the Park.” The goal is to collect as many toy donations as possible for Toys for Tots and transport them on a VTA bus to the Marines’ warehouse, where toys will be sorted and distributed.  

In years past, we’ve stuffed the bus more than once, and this year we’re looking to break our record to serve as many children in need as possible. And you can help!

Please join us on Saturday December 14, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to help stuff the bus as many times as possible! We are asking that you please donate new, un-wrapped toys, books, and stocking stuffers (preferably avoiding plush toys due to sanitary reasons) for age groups newborn to 14+. 

The bus will be parked on Market Street in front of the Fairmont Hotel, so make sure you swing by for a family Christmas photo in front of our Peanuts bus!