Kind-hearted students are planning to deliver a bus full of food and toys to the needy this Christmas.

The community-led “Stuff the Bus” initiative was launched by the Bermuda Institute’s student association, with the support of the Department of Public Transportation (PTB).

Buses have been donated by the Department and a dedicated team of volunteer drivers will collect donations from across the Island to be delivered to selected local charities. Students will be at the collection points from tomorrow to next Tuesday singing carols and thanking those who come out to donate.

Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell, a former student of the Bermuda Institute, praised the generous gesture and described it as “an effort to make a difference to our community over this holiday season”.

Mr Crockwell added: “This initiative is truly a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in our community to help those less fortunate during the holiday season, by providing much needed non-perishable goods and toys.

“We are all keenly aware that there are many families who are experiencing difficult economic times. They are struggling and would be very appreciative of assistance in any form.

“To the PTB team, operators, students, faculty, teachers, friends who are participating in this project, you are to be commended.”

The charities to benefit are the Lions Club of Bermuda, Teen Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda, the Coalition for the Protection of Children, the Salvation Army, the Sunshine League and Hands of Love.

“Hopefully, there will be a great outcome so that we can all give back,” said Antonio Bailey, president of Bermuda Institute’s student association. “We have put together charity events before but nothing on this scale.”

Donations can be dropped off tomorrow at St George’s Town Square between 6pm and 7pm, and at Kindley Field between 7pm and 8pm.

On Sunday, the students will be accepting donations at Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo’s car park from 6pm until 8pm, while on Monday, you can give at Lindo’s in Warwick from 6pm to 8pm.

Donations can be dropped off on Tuesday at the Hitching Post in Sandys between 6pm and 8pm.

Collection points

Tomorrow: St George’s Town Square, from 6pm to 7pm; and Kindley Field, St George’s, from 7pm to 8pm.

Sunday: Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (parking lot), from 6pm to 8pm.

Monday: Lindo’s, Warwick, from 6pm to 8pm.

Tuesday: Hitching Post, Sandys, from 6pm to 8pm.