The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, or EMTA, held its annual holiday toy drive.
The Bayline Trolley was parked near Primanti Brothers in the Millcreek Mall Plaza for the 8th Annual “Stuff the Bus” event. The drive benefits Toys for Tots of Erie County.
“We have had an incredible turnout already this morning,” said Sarah Morrison, director of marketing and public relations at EMTA. “People are so generous. We had one woman who said she collects all year, and she had a full vehicle [of toys], and we are on our way to stuff this bus. What’s wonderful is that these toys stay in this community.”
The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots of Erie County distributed 17,538 toys and supported 3,174 children in the 2024 holiday season. They are hoping to provide.
“It means everything to us,” said Staff Sgt. Tucker Yearwood. “It really is a pleasure to come out here, be a part of the community, receive these toys that we are going to distribute out to underprivileged kids, and just really a general impact on the community.”
The Marine Corps Reserve is set to distribute the toys collected during the “Stuff the Bus” event and at the EMTA administration office this weekend. They will set up at the Five Below near the Millcreek Mall Plaza. They will distribute toys to families this Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. They will also hold a toy distribution on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.