‘Fill the Bus’ Program Collects 2,400 Pounds of Food

REDMOND, Ore. — The transportation staff at Redmond School District helped out hungry community members with a “Fill the Bus” program in May.

The transportation team hosted two food drive days at local Walmart and Bi-Mart stores, collecting non-perishable food items to support the Redmond Community Church food bank. Team members volunteered to take donations, make balloon animals, and give prizes to children who donated.

The Fill the Bus efforts collected a total of 2,400 pounds of food. Michelle Rainville, transportation supervisor for Redmond School District, said that members of the Redmond Community Church were brought to tears when the donation was delivered — their food bank had been empty.

In all, 29 transportation team members — including drivers, monitors, office staff, and shop staff — pitched in for the Fill the Bus program. Also, the Redmond High School JROTC helped with the food drive and the delivery of the food.

“We are so proud of this incredible team for their constant compassion to go outside of their duties to fill a need in our community,” Rainville said.

The Redmond transportation department plans to make Fill the Bus an annual event, Rainville added.