The K-DOCK/Rotary Bus Jam is collecting food and toys that will be loaded onto two buses.

This year, the event will be held at the Coos Bay and North Bi-Mart stores from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. First Student Bus Company will provide volunteers and two buses at each location.

Distribution boxes have been placed in the lobby at The World, McKay’s stores, Books By The Bay, K-DOCK and Bi-Mart stores.

New toys will be taken to a distribution center, where qualifying families who have signed up and given proof of income will be allowed to select a gift for their children for Christmas.

The distribution will be held Dec. 20 at the Newmark Center. Registration sign ups will take place until noon, Friday, Dec. 19.

The response was so overwhelming last year, and it is anticipated there will be more need than ever before this year, a press release said. The goal for this year is 10,000 pounds of food and 1,000 gifts.

K-DOCK radio and Rotary have sponsored the event in partnership with Bi-Mart, Department of Human Services and First Student Bus Company for the past seven years. The food goes to South Coast Food Share and is taken to community food cupboards and Senior and Disabled Services.

More than 300 children received a gift and stocking stuffer from the distribution last year.

Cash contributions can be made as well. That money is used to supplement gifts for specific age groups missed at the collection.