Transportation personnel saluted for volunteer spirit

JACKSON - When the call went out for Jackson school bus drivers and transportation personnel to save the day, they were ready, willing and able.

"Our transportation staff jumped at the chance to help when the organizers of the 14th annual Komen New Jersey Race for the Cure reached out to the school district to [figure out a way] to get people back and forth to the event at Six Flags Great Adventure in town," Board of Education President Marvin Krakower said at the panel's Nov. 20 meeting.

"Almost immediately after the request was made we had a long list of drivers, mechanics and our transportation coordinator who volunteered. They were all willing to give up their entire Sunday to help this most worthy cause," he said.

Krakower said the employees' selflessness and generosity meant a savings of thousands of dollars for the organizers of the Oct. 14 event.

The Komen event brings together breast cancer survivors, loved ones, community members and local organizations in an effort to save lives.

Jackson transportation staff members Bob Baylis, Mike Bell, Kathy Booth, Marge Collins, Tammy Dalton, Carol Dugan, Sheri Foley, Sue Gallo, Pat Libonati, Mary Ann McColgan, Helene Murg, Joe Murg, Heidi Pagano, Phyllis Reynolds, Gary Sagan, Barb Santanello and Elaine Westgate were each honored with a certificate of recognition.

"While the gesture of these staff members is certainly extraordinary, it is by no means surprising. Knowing the dedication and commitment this department has to our students every day, it is no surprise at all that they would leap to do what they can to benefit others," Krakower said.

The board president thanked the staff members for their willingness to help and for representing the Jackson School District in a selfless and generous way.

Nancy Healey, executive director, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South New Jersey, Lawrenceville, said, "We are thrilled with the support and dedication from so many groups in the Jackson area. One in particular are the bus drivers from the Jackson school district. They not only donated their buses for seven hours, the drivers donated their time as well."

Healey said the volunteers saved the race office an expense of more than $7,000.

"They immediately understood the critical work that is accomplished due to their generosity and that of other donors and sponsors," Healey said. "The money that is raised goes right back into the communities in central and southern New Jersey for lifesaving programs of education and mammography screening for the neediest populations. The donation from the bus drivers will enable us to fund crucial programs. We are very grateful."

Last year the Central and South Jersey Affiliate gave out $1.5 million for educational programs and grants in its 13-county service area.

Healey said at this time she believes the Oct. 14 event that was held at Great Adventure will raise more than $1.7 million. Funds are still coming in and the exact total may not be known until late December.