BY MARY-MICHAL RAWLING
Merced County Association of Governments
The Bus has partnered with the United Way of Merced County and the Merced County Food Bank to hold a “Stuff the Bus” food drive throughout Merced County to help the Food Bank replenish its stock that has been recently depleted by the surge of need in the local community.
Between Nov. 18 and 22, the Bus will park in various locations across the county and invite local residents to bring their non-perishable food donations to benefit those in need during the upcoming holiday season.
“Teaming up with our partners to help those in need in our community is simply the right thing to do,” said Stacie Guzman, executive director of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County.
“The Food Bank and United Way work tirelessly making sure members of our community have what they need, so we were grateful for the opportunity to join forces and bolster their efforts heading into the holiday season.”
“At its heart, ‘Stuff the Bus’ is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Food Bank Director of Development Joe Hypes.
“In times like these, even a single act of kindness, like donating a can of food, can spark hope and connection in our community. With so many families facing food insecurity this holiday season, efforts like this remind us that when we come together, we can make a real difference, one meal and one neighbor at a time.”
“We’re seeing food insecurity rise across the county, and families need our support now more than ever,” said Rob Hypes, CEO of United Way of Merced County.
“Partnering with The Bus and the Food Bank for Stuff the Bus makes it easier for our whole community to step in and help ensure every family has what they need this holiday season.”
On Nov. 18, the Bus will be stationed at the Merced County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will also be stationed at Livingston City Hall from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Bus will be stationed at the Merced Mall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 19. On the following day, it will be stationed at the Walmart parking lot in Atwater from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Bus will be stationed at two locations on Nov. 21: Henry Miller Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Sheriff Substation from 2 to 6 p.m. It will be stationed at Dollar General in Dos Palos from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at the Target/Marshalls parking lot in Los Banos from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Bus is the single public transportation service provider for all of Merced County and is administered by the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County and managed by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG).
The United Way of Merced County seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.
They envision a future where all individuals have equitable access to the information and services they need to build a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
The Merced County Food Bank is a private non-profit organization that grew out of community collaboration to feed the hungry in Merced County.
