“Stuff the Bus” has become an annual county event since the first collection was held in 2008 to benefit the Sussex County Division of Social Services. Both residents and businesses of the community love to show their support and Lakeland Bank is excited to be one of the Title Sponsors for this popular local initiative again this year hosted in conjunction with iHeart Media radio stations WSUS, WNNJ and Bear County 106.3.
“This initiative puts a fun spin on collecting food for those in need and we are really looking forward to hosting this event and having the Bus in our parking lot on November 17,” said Mira Cocozziello, Vice President, Sparta Branch Manager. “All of the donations collected on this day and the duration of the food drive will benefit the Sussex County Social Services food pantry.”
As 2023 comes to an end, many food pantries face high demand for their services and constantly work to keep the shelves stocked. The Social Services' pantry located in Newton not only provides food to those in need for all county residents, it also helps to restock the food pantries throughout Sussex County. According to county figures, more than one million pounds of food and nearly $100,000 in monetary donations have been collected since this countywide food drive started.
All Lakeland Bank Branches in Sussex County are collection sites for the food drive which runs from November 1 through November 17. Lakeland invites community members to join the “Stuff the Bus” event on November 17 from 4pm to 6pm at our Sparta Branch located at 7 Town Center Drive. Our friends from RADIO Stations WSUS and WNNJ will be there to help us raise awareness and provide entertainment for this special event.
What Can You Donate?
Donations of non-perishable items such as macaroni and cheese, tuna and other canned meats, meals in a can, hearty soups, shelf-stable milk, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, vegetables, boxed mashed potatoes, fruit, rice, pancake mix, and syrup.
Monetary donations directly benefit residents of Sussex County – please make checks payable to:
Sussex County Division of Social Services and mail to 83 Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Participants for “Stuff the Bus” include radio stations WNNJ 103.7, WSUS 102.3 and MAX 106.3 and the ShopRites of Byram, Franklin, Newton and Sparta.
Individuals or families in need of food may go to the Division of Social Services, located at 83 Spring Street in Newton, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Donations are also accepted during these hours or special arrangements can be made for after-hours donations by calling 973-383-3600.
At Lakeland, serving the community is the path we have taken time and time again to demonstrate our commitment to being a dedicated corporate citizen. Visit our Corporate Responsibility section to learn more about how Lakeland serves the community and read our Commitment to Community blogs.
