Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive Doubles Donations, Spreading Holiday Cheer Across Connecticut

Connecticut State Police Lt. Utermarck (left) helps fill a CTfastrak bus with donations from Planet Fitness.

This year's "Stuff-A-Bus" Holiday Toy Drive was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. The initiative ignited the holiday spirit, breaking records and uniting important organizations across Connecticut. The event was a collaboration between CTtransit, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the Connecticut State Police (CSP), and community partners such as CTrail, Planet Fitness, LEGO, the United States Marine Corps (USMC), and the Kathryn Hunt Studio. The inaugural toy drive in 2023 was considered a success, resulting in one CTtransit bus filled to the brim with toys. This year, the number of toys collected was doubled, a clear indication of the strength of our collaborative efforts.

An estimated 2,000 plus toys were donated across two full CTtransit buses, with LEGO donating an estimated $300,000 worth of merchandise. The holiday toy drive began at the Governor's Mansion. It continued with stops at CTfastrakstations, CSP Troop H barracks, and city offices, inviting state employees and the public to participate.

"This is probably the largest donation we've gotten this year," said Sgt. Anthony Liquori, a United States Marine and Coordinator for Toys for Tots. "It's cool to see the communities all come together—CTtransit, CTDOT, CSP—all united to make this push for the holiday."

Christopher DeGrave, AGM of Safety and Security for CTtransit, reflected on the experience: "It's nice to not only transport the public and to focus on safety and customer service, but also provide for the community that supports us and bring a little holiday cheer to families."

This year, two CTfastrak buses were filled to the brim with toys.

Participants at every stop felt the magic of the season. The outpouring of generosity moved Hector Roman, Training Manager for CTtransit. "It brings joy to my heart to be here and witness this. I remember when my sisters would bring home bags of toys from (organizations like Toys for Tots). It gives people hope. I held back tears seeing the generosity of others looking at the gifts."

"This is what the holiday season is really about—giving back to our community," said Diana Palmer of CTDOT. "That's what we should be focused on: what we can do for others."

As the CTtransit buses dropped off the last of the donations to Toys for Tots, where the toys will be distributed to families in need, Lt. Utermarck of CSP said, "Collecting this amount of toys has been unbelievable—it's nice to know we're going to put so many toys in front of children this year."

Following the event’s success, organizers are already looking ahead. "It's been an incredible experience. I only see it growing from here," said DeGrave of CTtransit.

“We're thrilled to see the growth potential. We can't wait to see how this event will continue to make a difference in the future," said Thomas E. Stringer Jr., CTtransit General Manager.