CINCINNATI — In the wake of the devastating fires that consumed hundreds of thousands of acres in southern California, First Student, North America’s leader in student transportation, activated relief efforts for residents and employees affected by the blazes.
First Student contributed $10,000 to the American Red Cross and volunteered available drivers and buses to transport evacuated hospital and convalescent home patients in Fallbrook.
“At First Student, safety is a core value,” says Mark Elias, Regional Vice President. “So when our drivers got the call that schools were closing early and children needed to be transported immediately, we responded swiftly and professionally, and succeeded in getting students home safely.”
More than 1,100 employees at eleven First Student locations were impacted by the fires, as schools throughout southern California were closed and communities were evacuated. In an effort to provide some relief, First Student distributed gift cards to local grocery stores to employees who were affected by the flames.
“First Student is an active part of the communities in which it operates,” says Call Hull, Senior Vice President – West. “Often, our employees also are residents of the areas in which we serve. We recognize the hard work and dedication they bring to their jobs and are grateful we could help during this difficult time. We have tremendous respect for all of our employees and the responsibility they carry as they safely transport 2.9 million children throughout North America to and from school each day.”
Operations at First Student locations returned to normal the following week.