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Bus operators, mechanics and other METRO elves who keep wheels rolling all year long, are checking their lists to welcome local students for the ride of the 2014 Holiday Season. The Adopt-A-School Christmas Program is a labor of love for Bus Transportation staff from five facilities who coordinate with elementary school principals to identify children whose holidays need help. |
The students are treated to rides, including one through a giant, noisy bus washer. Training staff at another facility put kids in the driver's seat on a simulated ride through a snow storm. It's all good at the table too, with treats like cake, cookies and cocoa. Some facilities have arranged games including cake walks, and spiffy photos taken with the children on Santa's knee. And last, but certainly not least, beautifully wrapped presents are distributed to the delight of everyone present.
The facilities come up with new ideas each year. Last year the Hiram Clarke facility gave each child a brand new bike. Meanwhile, Jeff Long, maintenance superintendent at the Fallbrook facility, said the screams of delight, as Santa and his young riders went through the giant bus scrubber, had his ears ringing all year long.
Staff at the facilities began raising funds for this event after last year's Christmas party. Hundreds of students and their parents attended in 2013, leaving with turkeys and hams and all the trimmings for a traditional holiday meal.
EDITORS NOTE: The celebrations at the facilities are staged throughout the week of December 15 with most occurring on December 17 and 18. For a detailed listing, and to make arrangements to visit any of these events, please call the METRO Press Office at 713-739-4040 or email MM53@ridemetro.org
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