Dundee bus drivers help needy kids

Dubbed “Helping Hands,” the drivers hope to help students by selling baked goods and sponsoring a craft show. So far, the effort has raised about $3,400.

“It’s all about the kids,” said driver Kris Kuhman.

As in many other school communities, tough economic times have hit some Dundee families. The district has shifted some of the cost of field trips to students and cancelled some field trips due to costs.

Students, who often chatter on their bus rides about field trips, are noticeably disappointed about the field trip situation – and so the bus drivers, all members of the Dundee Educational Support Personnel Association, took action.

They started with a couple of bake sales during fall conferences. Then, Tina Busby, a driver who sells crafts, suggested a community craft sale. The community response has been strong – parents baked cookies and brownies and exhibit space for the craft sale went fast.

“Instead of just talking about helping, we took action,” said Paula Couture, president of the local union. “Everything’s bad with the budgets – we’ve been hit with cuts from the state. But this is a positive. It’s infectious.”

Other drivers who’ve helped with the effort are Wendy Rogers, Terri Earley, Art Fuller, Carl Krueger, Kathy Phipps, Sam Clay, Carey Merritt, Linda Moore, Stacie Rock, and Julie Gimesky.

Updated: December 17, 2009