Jefferson County Schools’ Transportation Department Works to Raise Money for Texas School District Ravaged by Hurricane Harvey

Charles Town, W.Va. – Members of the Jefferson County Schools Transportation Department have organized a community fundraiser to support a school district devastated by Hurricane Harvey with the hopes of raising $20,000.

Through business sponsorship support from 41 local businesses and the creation of T-shirts, the transportation department has currently raised $6,100. The lion’s share of fundraising efforts will take place on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 throughout Jefferson County. Members of the transportation department will be present at a total of 10 locations throughout the weekend. The transportation department will volunteer their time to park a bus at stores like Weis, Food Lion, Tractor Supply and more to solicit donations for the hurricane victims. A bake sale will be held at Long John Silver's to raise additional funds.

The funds will directly benefit Aransas County Independent School District in Rockport, Texas. The school district operates a total of five schools that were destroyed after Hurricane Harvey ripped through their community. A single elementary school will open in late October, but the secondary schools have been so badly damaged that the school district is currently operating out of 80 portables that have been placed on a soccer field to house the middle and high school students.

“We knew we wanted to help a smaller school district that wouldn’t get as many resources after such a widespread disaster,” said Karen Nelson, bus driver at Jefferson County Schools. After watching the news and seeing the devastation, I knew we had to do something.”

To learn more about Jefferson County Schools, visit boe.jeff.k12.wv.us.

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