MOSES LAKE — Take the bus? Want to swap a free bus ride for a donation to an important cause? Then you are in luck next week as the Grant Transit Authority will be holding their second annual Week of Warming event.

The event sees GTA bus drivers collecting donations Dec. 11 through Dec. 17 for the Warming Center in Moses Lake. In lieu of fare, drivers will be accepting the much needed donations, which are an absolute must to help keep the Warming Center up, running and successful in serving the less fortunate. GTA riders are in luck, however, because if they miss the first Week of Warming in December, they can hold out and wait until the second week of the event, which will be held Jan. 8 through Jan. 14.

The Warming Center is in need of the following items: hand warmers, deodorants, travel size toothpaste, travel size shampoo, travel size bars of soap, disposable razors, chapstick, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toilet paper, travel size packs of wipes, canned food with pop-top lids, granola bars, blankets, adult coats, new adult socks, hot chocolate, coffee, coffee creamer, gallon size Ziploc bags, paper plates, bowls, napkins, cups and plastic silverware.

GTA riders also have the opportunity to ride the bus for free if they are fortunate enough to hitch a ride on the GTA Holiday Bus. For the third straight year GTA officials have decorated one of their buses with lights and decorations. The bus is set to be on a different route each day in December and anyone who rides on the bus will do so for free.

“The fare box on the Holiday Bus will be wrapped like a present because this is our gift to our riders and the community to say thank you for your support throughout the year,” stated the GTA in a release.

For more information on the offers from the GTA contact 509-754-1075.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.