SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

School Bus Driver Raises Funds to Buy Glasses for Students

Justin Schaefer of Florida notices a student on his bus is wearing broken glasses. He sets up a GoFundMe page to buy new glasses for him and another student he learns needs glasses but cannot afford them. 

June 14, 2016
1 min to read


NEW TAMPA, Fla. — A school bus driver here used crowdfunding to raise money to buy glasses for two students in need, Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bus driver Justin Schaefer noticed that Harold Espinoza, a seventh-grader who stands out for his respectful behavior on what the driver described as “a rough route,” was wearing broken glasses that were held together with tape, according to the newspaper. He got permission from the school’s administrators and set up a GoFundMe page, requesting donations from family members and friends from across the U.S. to cover the cost of new glasses and other niceties of Espinoza’s choosing.

Meanwhile, Schaefer learned from a school social worker that another student at the school needed glasses, but that the student’s parents could not easily afford them, Tampa Bay Times reports.  

Luckily, the donations that Shaefer received from the GoFundMe page were far more than he expected, and he was able to help both Espinoza and the other student to buy glasses, according to the newspaper. Espinoza was called to the principal’s office and was surprised by Schaefer, who gave him $260 worth of gift cards for his exceptional behavior. Afterward, his homeroom teacher and class applauded him, according to Tampa Bay Times.

To read the full story, go here.

More Management

A blue and white graphic with a black and white image of Geotab official on stage with text reading "AI Tools Roundup: Turning Data Into Faster Decisions."
Managementby Elora HaynesJune 24, 2026

AI Tools Roundup: New Fleet Tools Aim to Turn Data Into Faster Decisions

The latest AI-powered platforms could help student transportation teams analyze fleet performance, manage maintenance, and uncover operational insights using natural-language queries.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet company news graphic displaying the logos of EverDriven and Pathwise on an orange background.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 23, 2026

EverDriven Integrates Pathwise's EZRouting into Routing Services

The new partnership combines trusted software with industry expertise to help district transportation teams streamline general education routing, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs.

Read More →
A professional portrait of David Perez on an orange background with text reading "David Perez Named Samsara Technology Leader of the Year."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 23, 2026

First Student Safety Executive Named Samsara Technology Leader of the Year

David Perez earned the honor for deploying AI-powered safety and fleet technologies that improved driver behavior and family communication.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage graphic featuring the Zūm logo surrounded by images representing the company's recent milestones: the Providence, Rhode Island skyline; a soccer ball decorated with international flags symbolizing FIFA World Cup 2026 transportation services; a trophy representing CEO Ritu Narayan's Entrepreneur Of The Year award; and the Philadelphia skyline.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 22, 2026

Zum Expands to Rhode Island with 2 New District Partnerships

The Ocean State becomes Zum’s 18th state served as the company expands its presence in the Northeast U.S., while launching operations in Philadelphia, and supporting FIFA World Cup 2026.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredJune 22, 2026

The Driver Shortage Playbook

How student transportation fleets are hiring, retaining and adapting .

Read More →
School Bus Fleet leadership update graphic announcing Lewis Nelson as president of Stertil-Koni. The graphic features the Stertil-Koni logo and a portrait of Nelson standing with folded arms against a yellow and orange background.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 19, 2026

Stertil-Koni Announces New Company President

Lewis Nelson joins the heavy-duty vehicle lift provider, succeeding Scott Steinhardt in the lead role.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Frances Theiring stands with three other people holding an award
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 19, 2026

Tennessee Hall of Fame Honors Drivers for Decades of Service

Frances Theiring, a school bus driver for Wilson County Schools, retires this year after almost 50 years on the road. She is one of two long-time drivers honored for their service in the state.

Read More →
A school bus driver wearing a safety vest exchanges a high-five with a smiling young student near the front of a school bus. Sunlight streams through the windows as another adult stands nearby.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer

Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet leadership update graphic featuring the School Bus Logistics logo and headshots of three newly hired software data analysts: CJ Merrill, Jake Nulick, and Valorie Ashburn.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 18, 2026

School Bus Logistics Adds 3 Data Analysts, Expands Routing Capabilities

Three new data analysts and a BusRight certification bring an added layer of support to the routing services districts already use.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover page of an NSTA (National School Transportation Association) whitepaper titled "Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit: Benefits of Contracting Transportation Services." The design features a blue and gold color scheme with a yellow school bus graphic at the top. The subtitle reads, "Discover the value and benefits of converting to contracted student transportation services, a proven road to cost reduction and service enhancement." Contact information for NSTA appears at the bottom, including the website YellowBuses.org and email address info@yellowbuses.org
SponsoredJune 18, 2026

Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit

Did you know nearly 40% of school districts utilize a private contractor to serve their transportation needs? Explore why more school leaders are turning to contracted transportation services, and how outsourcing can create meaningful value without sacrificing control. Discover the practical benefits of a transportation services platform that provides flexibility with coordination.

Read More →