December is a month when the deputies and others in the  Guilford County Sheriff’s Department take some time away from chasing bad guys to spread a little Christmas cheer to needy kids.

Once again this year, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department is asking members of the community to be part of the department’s “Fill the Bus” toy drive. This year’s announcement of the annual event states that all toys contributed “will bring warmth and happiness to a child this holiday season” and “make a meaningful impact in our community.”

 The big bus will be parked at several prominent Walmart and Target locations around the county throughout the first half of December.  And when it’s not parked at one of those spots, it will still be very easy to find. It will be in front of the Sheriff’s Department’s headquarters – the Otto Zenke building  at 400 W. Washington St. in downtown Greensboro.

 Toys will be accepted at the headquarters and at the remote locations as well.

The department is asking that all contributions be new and unwrapped.

Here’s list of times and locations where the bus will be parked:

• Friday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Walmart at 4424 W. Wendover Ave. in Greensboro.

• Thursday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Target at 1628 Highwoods Blvd. in Greensboro.

• Monday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Walmart at 2628 S. Main St. in High Point.

There are a number of similar toy drives in the county going on right now, conducted by community groups, other county departments, churches and local businesses, due to the belief that all kids need to have at least some presents under the tree no matter what financial conditions their families are facing.

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