PORTLAND, Ore. — Bus drivers for David Douglas School District #40 recently spread holiday cheer to students in need within the district, delivering gifts to them for the operation’s adopt-a-family program.

Driver Trainer Kathy Calkins told SBF that the program was started four years ago by a team of bus drivers who wanted to make a difference in the school district.

“We supply students with coats, and they get three gifts each,” Calkins said. “Most of our [adopted] families have four or more children and have struggled with the necessities of life. Over the years, drivers have adopted over 200 children. This year, we have adopted 50 children.”

This year, the drivers started out by adopting two families, and they also assisted teen mothers. Calkins said the teens wrote down their needs and their children’s needs on ornaments, which were then put on a “giving tree.”

All parents get a scarf and gloves or a hat, and babies get warm clothing or a toy.  

Calkins also noted that the drivers are going the extra mile for a third family they adopted this year.

“When a driver asked a student [of that family] what he would be getting for Christmas, he answered, ‘Nothing,’” she said. “With some investigating, we found that the family of five lives in a 520-square foot trailer. The drivers all came together with a game system, bike and presents for all three children. They will also be provided with Christmas dinner.”  

The video below on katu.com shows the drivers, some of whom are decked out in elf suits, delivering gifts to the schools.

Other items related to the holidays:

• Photo Gallery: Pupil Transporters Get Festive

• Student Transportation launches holiday donation drive