LATHAM, N.Y. — The New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) recently presented the United Way of Long Island with a check for $3,640 and the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund with a check for $1,610. 

The money was raised during the association’s annual convention held in October in Port Jefferson, New York.   

“In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, and our members’ desire to give back to the communities in which they serve, we couldn’t be happier to help out these two outstanding organizations,” NYSBCA President Robert Pape said. “Given the positive impact both play in helping so many of our neighbors, it was an easy decision to make.”   

The Long Island community was hit especially hard this year with record-breaking rains in August, causing massive flooding, which left many homes and businesses destroyed or badly damaged.  

“We’re thrilled to receive the support from the New York School Bus Contractors Association, especially during the holiday season when hundreds of families rely on the assistance,” said Theresa Regnante, president and CEO of the United Way of Long Island. “Half of the money will go towards our Project Warmth program, which helps families, the elderly and the disabled heat their homes, and the other half to help provide children in underserved school districts with school supplies.”

John Corrado, president of Suffolk Transportation and NYSBCA treasurer, presented the check to the United Way.  
Presenting the check to the Red Cross was Phil Vallone, past president of the NYSBCA and president of Rolling V Transportation.

“On behalf of the American Red Cross, I would like to thank the New York School Bus Contractors Association for their generous donation,” said John Cascone, Red Cross disaster program manager. “The Red Cross relies on donations such as this to deliver the vital services we provide to those affected by fires and other disasters that strike our community.”

“These organizations represent what we, as school bus contractors, try to emulate every single day: a sincere dedication to our schools and the families and children that live in our communities,” Pape added. “We’re lucky to have the United Way and the Red Cross around, not only as exceptional community partners, but as neighbors and as friends.”