It’s been a busy holiday season for our bus operators. When they weren’t driving through snowstorms or helping harried passengers reach their destinations, many were finding other ways to serve the community.

On Tuesday, bus operators from UTA’s Salt Lake Business Unit loaded a UTA bus with more than 827 pounds of food and 18 pounds of dog and cat food for the Crossroads Urban Center. UTA Manager of Service Delivery Sheryl Posey said operators generously gave cash or donated nonperishable goods to help the shelter rebuild their food stores after the holiday season.

“The Crossroads Urban Center operates one of the busiest food pantries in the state and their food supply depletes quickly and severely right after the holidays. We felt they were a worthy recipient of our first-time efforts,” she said, adding that the operators plan to donate again next year.

UTA’s Special Services personnel, who oversee paratransit, raised more than $1,300 for the Special Olympics during their annual bake sale and raffle. Each December, the group raises funds for an organization that reflects the population they serve. The bake sale and raffle has been taking place since 1999, with employees bringing baked goods like cookies and pies and donating items like event tickets and electronics for the raffle.

“For us to raise this amount of money with just a small group of people – I think it’s phenomenal,” Special Services General Manager Cherryl Beveridge said.

A big thanks to our bus operators and supervisors who donated their money, time and talents this holiday season. We’re proud to have them on the UTA team.