TTC kicks off annual Stuff-the-Bus school supplies drive this weekend

With back to school fast approaching, the TTC is launching its annual Stuff-the-Bus school supplies drive.

This year's campaign aims to collect 2,000 backpacks and school supplies to help local students and families start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. Last year, the drive collected 1,200 backpacks and supplies – surpassing their goal of 1,000.

The drive is an initiative of the TTC's Fare Enforcement and Collection Community Engagement Unit, in partnership with the TTC Recreation Council.

The first of seven donation opportunities takes place on Sat., August 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart Sherway Gardens, located at 165 North Queen St.

"This campaign is a great example of people coming together to support one another," said Mayor Olivia Chow. "Thank you to the TTC employees, volunteers and Toronto communities who continue to make this initiative a success and help students start the school year ready to learn."

"This campaign helps ensure students have the tools they need to learn, grow and succeed," said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. "I am proud to support this initiative and grateful to the TTC employees, volunteers and community partners who help make it a success every year."

"Every student deserves the opportunity to start the school year feeling prepared and confident," said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. "The Stuff-the-Bus school supplies drive reflects the TTC's commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. Our goal of collecting 2,000 backpacks aims to make a meaningful difference for students and families across Toronto, and I encourage everyone who is able to contribute."

Organizers are seeking new, unopened items including backpacks, writing pads, composition books, geometry sets, three-ring binders, calculators, glue sticks, pencils and pens, coloured pencils, markers, highlighters, erasers, rulers, pencil sharpeners, graph paper, loose-leaf paper, construction paper and scissors.

Donations can be made at the following collection drives:

• August 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walmart, Sherway Gardens, 165 North Queen Street
• August 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FreshCo, 2330 Eglinton Avenue West, York
• August 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FreshCo, 1500 Jane Street, North York
• August 16, 12 to 4 p.m. Real Canadian Superstore, 2549 Weston Road, York
• August 21, 2 to 7 p.m. Walmart, 1302 Lawrence Avenue West, North York
• August 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walmart, 2525 St. Clair Avenue West, York
• August 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Line 5 Fest, Cedarvale Station

All backpacks and school supplies collected throughout the campaign will be distributed to various community locations across Toronto and the GTA.