PBPN GPT staff show off donation items that will be collected during the April donation drive. From left: John Wahwassuck, Terry Cross Bear, Rick Rector, Danielle Moss, Maggie Adame-Wood, Jarvis Ramirez, front: Celeste Weber and Rachael McCoy.
2.14.20
By: Michelle Simon
During the week of April 20, through April 24, 2020, the Prairie Band Potawatomi General Public Transportation department will accept donations of new household items as payment for rides.
Acceptable items include a family pack of toothbrushes, toothpaste, 4-pack toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, body soap, lotion, shampoo & conditioner, Clorox wipes, and similar cleaning supplies.
One item will cover a local ride, two items for an out-of-area ride, three items for Horton rides and four items for Lawrence rides.
Rachael McCoy, Transportation Lead Driver/Transportation Drivers Supervisor came up with the idea as a way for the department to give back to the PBPN community. Due to the nature of their work, Transportation staff are rarely available to participate in community service events.
“With our department always being on-demand, I thought rides in exchange for donation items would allow us to continue providing our service while also giving back to the community. It’s such a good feeling to be able to give back,” said McCoy.
McCoy reached out to several departments to see if they had any need, and the Social Services department responded to the opportunity to collaborate. At the end of the week, all items will be delivered to the PBPN Children and Family Services program to assist local families in need.
Riders are still able to pay the normal fare for rides if they so choose with all proceeds benefiting the donation. For any questions regarding the donation drive, contact the PBPN General Public Transportation department at 785-966-2995 locally, or toll-free 1-866-727-8181. Service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is funded by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.