By Marianne Lincoln

A year ago, a few members of the transportation department of the Bethel School District had a grand idea. They decided to stage school buses in the parking lots of several prominent local stores and take donations of food, cash and toys to help local needy families. The project is called, “Stuff the Bus.”

Saturday, December 7 there were buses at the Spanaway Safeway, the Spanaway Walmart and the Fred Meyer on Meridian. There was also a site pre-arranged for the Walmart on Meridian, but when the bus arrived today, the management chased them out of the parking lot saying they would be competing with the Salvation Army who was also on site. There was some disappointment among volunteers over being removed for a site they thought was agreed to in advance.

At the Spanaway Safeway, three volunteer cheerfully greeted passers-by. They were Jamie Morris, Carl and Heather Hillis.

At the Spanaway Walmart there was a large contingent of participants. “JB” James Barnes waved to cars and held up his sign on the roadway out front. From there, a row of five or more sign wavers greeted cars entering the parking lot. Bethel High School students earned community service hours by participating. They included junior Brittany Bruce, junior McKenzie Cooper, sophomore Nicolas Guzman, freshman Cesar Meza and junior Sarah Johnson. What a great way to learn to be a part of the community.

Also at the Walmart was transportation director Karen Campbell, dispatchers Cheri Rooney and Sherry Johnson, driver trainer Cathy Larsen and drivers Kim Simmons, Michelle McGhee, Colleen Guzman. Also on hand was Madilynn Rose McGhee to cheer on her grandmother.

At the Meridian Fred Meyer on 176th Street, drivers Michelle Lile, Judy Violette, Kari Gipson, Diane Dimercurio worked with transportation administrator Joel Stutheit. They even brought a portable fire pit to help stay warm. They finished today just after a burn ban was implemented. Irene Burgess transportation secretary and three kids from Orting also worked at the Fred Meyer site.

Lots of food, toys and cash was rolling in at each location and it appeared to be a very successful day for the project. Kudos to the entire transportation department for their service to the community. These are the Bethel employees that actually see you where you live, they obviously understand there is a great need in the area.

Thank you Bethel Transportation, you rock!