Students of the Bermuda Institute are encouraging shoppers to spend a little more this holiday season.

The second annual campaign is a charitable initiative created by the students and faculty of the school that invites consumers to “stuff the bus” with non-perishable goods and toys at their local supermarket.

Bermuda Institute alumnus, Shawn Crockwell, kicked off the community service project yesterday afternoon.

The transport minister said: “After many years of prosperity, many Bermudians have been faced with a declining standard of living which in many cases is no fault of their own.

“As we work towards bringing all Bermudians back into the full participation of our economy, it is incumbent upon us to share what we can to ensure our neighbours can provide for their families.

“This unique, civic-minded project is a true example of charitable giving — an effort to make a difference for those less fortunate during the Christmas holidays.”

A bus will be parked at three different locations, beginning at Arnolds in Somerset tonight from 6pm-8pm, Hamilton Market Place on Tuesday and Warwick Lindos on Wednesday. Lastly, it will stop at Heron Bay Market place from 8pm-10pm on Wednesday.

Bermuda Institute students will sing carols and handle collections, distributing the donated items to selected charities between December 6 and December 9.

Zakiyyah Showers, public relations officer for the student association, thanked Mr Crockwell, the Department of Public Transportation and the bus operators for their “volunteer spirit”.

The 12th-grader said: “Thank you Bermuda for the support you gave us last year.

We pray that once again you will join us to help the charities that will benefit from this event.”

This year’s donations will go to the Salvation Army, the Sunshine League, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Lions Club.

Mr Crockwell said: “We are all aware that too many Bermudian families are facing difficult times this holiday season.

“This project is a great opportunity for Bermuda residents to get involved in making a difference.

“It will assist families who are in need and I encourage everyone to please contribute what you can to this initiative.”