MONMOUTH — Students at Monmouth Middle School are holding a “Stuff the Bus” campaign, taking place through Saturday, Nov. 19. Members of the community can drop off any food items until Nov. 18 at Monmouth Middle School during school hours. On Nov. 19 the bus will be parked at Cumston Hall from 9 a.m. to noon.

All items donated will go to benefit the Cottrell-Taylor Fund. Foods that are always needed are stuffing mix, canned vegetables, boxes of pasta, brownie mix and peanut butter.

This tradition started 40 years ago in memory of Henry L. Cottrell, the former elementary school principal, and Robert Taylor, a former teacher at the elementary school. The purpose is to give Christmas dinners and gifts to families in need. All money that is spent comes from donations. Boxes for donations of mittens, games, toys, etc. are located at the Monmouth Middle School and Henry L. Cottrell School.

Last year the Cottrell-Taylor Fund shopped for 127 children ages 2-18. They also provided baskets for 55 families that contained a turkey with all the trimmings for a traditional holiday meal. Volunteers start the hard work in November and continue to work until Christmas.