By Jessica Wilson

The holiday season is officially upon us, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, Christmas morning will be here before we know it. 

Though most of us are full of excitement as the holidays approach us, let us not forget the many families within our community that are full of dread instead of joy this season. For some, the excitement of the season is replaced with anxiousness, as the list of those in need within our community continues to grow. 

Nonprofit organizations throughout the county are sponsoring families in need this holiday season, one of those being the annual Stuff the Bus event, offered by the Buford City School system. The event encourages students to give back to their community by creating a fun way for students to spread Christmas joy to other children in need, by filling a Buford City school bus with unwrapped toys. 

Beginning November 28th a bus, decorated with red ribbons and wreaths, will be seen parked at the different schools within the city to be ‘stuffed’ by students, parents, and staff. The bus will begin its parking route with Buford High School, followed by the middle school on the 29th, Buford Academy on the 30th and will end at Buford Elementary on December 1st. The bus will be accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at each location. 

The most significant need, according to Sarah McIlvenna, Buford City Schools social worker, are gifts for 5th to 12th grade students. She encourages the community not to forget the older students and gave gift suggestions for them, such as toiletries, spirit wear, books, and winter accessories. She also suggested that parents consider donating a gift that matches your child’s age.