BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Wood River Stuff the Bus is back.

Wood River Valley residents are encouraged to donate unwrapped new toys to help 400 Wood River Valley families provide the joy of the holidays for their children. An estimated 900 children will be getting toys.

Two drop-off locations will be provided from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. One school bus will be located at Albertsons in Hailey and another at the Toy Store in downtown Ketchum.

The effort is sponsored by Eye on Sun Valley, Sun Valley Realtors Give/ Holiday Baskets, Albertsons and EJ Kids, The Toy Store.

Stuff the Bus ran for nine years before taking a break five years ago. Among those helping out this year are members of the Wood River High School Key Club and their new special needs group Best Buddies. Misty Dail has volunteered as bus driver for all of the Stuff the Bus events.

“It’s really heartwarming,” said organizer Leisa Hollister. “One year an old beaten-up car drove up, its bumper dragging on the ground, and one of the kids stepped out with two bags full of toys. You knew they didn’t have any money yet they wanted to be part of it and give.”

The event is not a food drive, but any foods contributed will be given to The Advocates, which has seen the grocery bill for its shelter go through the roof this year.