Officers “Stuff the Bus” for troubled teens in Coachella Valley

People in Coachella helped police officers “Stuff the Bus” — well, cruiser.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department parked outside of the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Store on Ave 48 and Jackson Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Coachella, collecting toiletries for Operation SafeHouse. Throughout the next few weeks, items collected will be moved on to a bus

Each year the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, along with several sponsors, participate in the “Stuff the Bus” program to benefit Operation SafeHouse. Operation SafeHouse provides emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services to runaway, homeless and other youth in crisis. SafeHouse offers at-risk youth, ages 12 to 18, an alternative to becoming victims of the streets, by operating shelters in Thousand Palms and Riverside

Stuff the Bus is a drive from various county agencies to try and fill a Riverside Transit Agency bus with items, including; toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, cleaning supplies and several other items. The items are then delivered for use to the SafeHouse locations.

There will be more opportunities to donate. To learn more, visit www.OperationSafeHouse.org.