‘Fill the Bus’ shows a community’s generous spirit

Despite the last-minute requests for space and transportation, the Monroe-Woodbury School District’s immediate commitment was an inspiration to carry out this event in a way that it could include all members of our M-W Community.

And indeed the community responded.

There were more than 100 scouts, leaders, parents, coaches and teachers unloading, sorting, packing and loading the donated items.

There must have been more than 100 cars that patiently worked through the line at Sapphire Elementary on Saturday, Nov. 10.

Some of you had just one item, such as a much needed case of diapers or a gently used sleeping bag.

Others came from businesses that had been collecting during the week with a trunk-load of items.

We quickly became aware that the donations were going to exceed the capacity of the single bus we had hoped to fill. Volunteers quickly organized more drivers and buses. We not only filled a bus, but three school buses and a box truck.

All items were delivered by volunteers and unloaded at the NMCC Beacon of Hope center in Hazlet N.J. This initiative was a blessing to our community and to theirs.

I would like to especially thank all the organizations such as The Photo News, M-W Little League, M-W Soccer League, Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Monroe who helped spread the word; Fusion for generously donating refreshments for all the volunteers; the M-WSD and its drivers, teachers and administrators; all the scouts and parents, and each and every person who contributed.

I am so humbled by your generosity and so proud of our community.

Tanya Woods

Girl Scout Heart of the Hudson

Monroe Service Unit Manager