REGION — The twice yearly Stuff the Bus drive, sponsored by iHeartMedia, collected 21,635 pounds of non perishable food and basic household items this year, according to a press release.

The drive benefits the programs and partners of Catholic Charities in Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. Staff members, volunteers and radio personalities from iHeartMedia helped garner donations at Stop & Shop stores in Newburgh, Hyde Park, Hopewell Junction and Poughkeepsie. Buses for food were donated by the Gallagher Bus Service/Leprechaun Lines, and vehicles were provided by Friendly Auto Group and the Dutchess County Driving School.

The Thanksgiving Stuff the Bus food drive collected the equivalent of 17,972 meals, according to the organizations. The most commonly donated food items were canned fruits and vegetables, soup and other canned meals, pasta and breakfast cereal. Volunteers included students from across the region, including from Marist College and SUNY New Paltz, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Highland Mills and the Girl Scouts.

“While many of us have the good fortune to celebrate Thanksgiving with turkey and all the fixings, food insecurity is a very real problem for many of our friends and neighbors,” said iHeartMedia Market President Chuck Benfer. “For the past 21 years, we have been thankful for the generosity of those who have made Stuff the Bus a success.”