MOBILE, Ala. – Students from 24 schools, MCPSS employees at Central Office, and the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners stuffed the bus with Christmas gifts for local children today. We collected more than 3,200 toys on Monday, and we are only half-way through. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit more schools tomorrow and Thursday as part of our annual Stuff the Bus campaign.

This is the 12^th year for Mobile County Public Schools to Stuff the Bus – actually, two buses – full of holiday cheer. This year, we’re placing an extra emphasis on serving MCPSS students, particularly those who are teenagers and who are often left out of traditional toy drives. MCPSS social workers have identified students and will gather gifts especially for them. We will take the remaining gifts to the Salvation Army.

“Today we are blessed with gifts for our students and our families,” said MCPSS Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “This year, we have the largest participation that we’ve ever had, which is 54 schools. That is very special that people are recognizing that other people need help, and we are very fortunate to assist those families.”

Board Vice President Sherry McDade said believes that no child should wake up on Christmas morning without a present. “This is the reason why we do this – to provide an avenue for our children so they can have a Christmas morning like the other students who are in their classroom,” she said. “Each year, this grows and grows and grows.”