Dexter, Missouri - The 3rd Annual Stuff a Bus began today and will run through Friday, December 12th. 

A huge thank you to William's Moving Co. located in Dexter for donating a truck and driver who will deliver the goodies to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.

The High School initiated the competition between the schools three years ago to help the local Mission with food for the holidays. 

"Last year we gave 14,626 cans to the Mission," stated Judy Patterson, DHS counselor and promoter of the project. "This year we hope to make a larger donation!"

Southwest Elementary, Central Elementary, T.S. Hill Middle School and the Dexter Senior High School will all be competing for delicious treats!  The school that brings in the most cans will receive home-made cookies from OPAA, their food service company!

Items needed for the Stoddard County Gospel Mission are dry goods and canned goods such as pasta, spaghetti, canned vegetables and fruits, mac & cheese, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, and any item that is non-perishable.

Throughout the Christmas Season people come together and realize how fortunate they are and also how some families are in great need this time of year.  The Stuff A Bus event was such a great hit the past two years they hope to continue to participate for many years to come to help those in Stoddard County.

We should feel very proud to live in such a community that is always willing to give back any chance we can.  We hope to see the Stuff A Bus event continue to positively affect many families for as long as possible.