SCRANTON, Pa. — Filling the bus instead of a sleigh was the goal for Santa's snowy stop on Thursday in Scranton.
"This is what it's all about—the snow, the people of Lackawanna County, they always come through for us," laughed the jolly old elf.
The Stuff the Bus event is a 14-year tradition for the County of Lackawanna Transit Authority (COLTS).
Over the years, COLTS has collected more than 12,000 toys for the Toys for Tots program.
"It has grown tremendously," said Katie McAndrew, COLTS' public relations manager. "We have, to date, raised about $37,000."
This year, they're looking to beat last year's donation of 1,800 toys.
"This one is just so heartwarming, and you see so many people come out from the community. It's amazing the people that come out to drop things off for these children."
People like Ed Sparrow of Dickson City come out to donate year after year.
"I'm still a kid. I love toys. So, you know, I just feel for the kids. They should have toys, they should have other things, but they should have toys," Sparrow said.
"I gave a train, and I've had trains since I was born, and I've always wanted to see someone else have one," said Richard Segal of Moosic.
Lending a helping hand to those in the North Pole this season.
"The elves are working overtime up there," Santa added.