• Article Photo. 'Stuff the Bus' came to Vinton Monday morning, at a new location: Ervin Motors
    'Stuff the Bus' came to Vinton Monday morning, at a new location: Ervin Motors
  • Article Photo. Andy Petersen of WMT interviews Lynette Parker about Harvest House during 'Stuff the Bus' event.
    Andy Petersen of WMT interviews Lynette Parker about Harvest House during 'Stuff the Bus' event.
  • Article Photo. Lynette Parker was on radio and TV both, telling eastern Iowa about Harvest House.
    Lynette Parker was on radio and TV both, telling eastern Iowa about Harvest House.

The WMT Radio Stuff the Bus Christmas donation drive signals the start of the Christmas giving season for the Harvest House ministry, Lynette Parker said Monday morning while participating in the annual event.

 Each year, the Cedar Rapids radio station comes to Vinton. In recent years, Andy Petersen went to the Palace Theatre. This year, however, the event moved to Ervin Motors, where Keith and Bill welcomed Andy. Throughout the morning, area residents brought donations for the Harvest House Christmas. In addition to offering them use of the showroom floor, the dealership also plans to make a donation, said Bill Ervin. 

Parker said that each year, the ministry provides presents to approximately 300 children whose parents would otherwise not be able to afford gifts. She told Petersen that the recession did not seem to cause any declines in donations. 

"Stuff the Bus" boxes will be available at the dealership as well as Dollar General.  Another Harvest House Christmas effort, the "Angel Tree," is in progress at U.S. Bank and Farmers Savings Bank, Parker said. G & G Auto also continues its Christmas toy drive.