Feast of Gratitude

The spirit of Thanksgiving was alive and well at METRO as employees from the Polk and Fallbrook bus operating facilities gathered to provide Thanksgiving dinner boxes to nine Garcia-Leza Primary School families in Aldine ISD.

Garcia-Leza Principal Patricia Willis says it all began with a simple request.

“Our school counselor, Ms. Charlotta Haynes, reached out to METRO and asked if the organization would be interested in helping some of our families in need for the holidays,” said Willis.

METRO Transportation Superintendents Edgar Morales and Gillian Pugh agreed to lead the initiative to provide Thanksgiving food boxes to select families.

Employees collected turkeys and traditional Thanksgiving sides as well as ookies, chips, and juice.

Morales said the effort would not have been possible without the enthusiastic efforts of operators and other employees. He wanted to give special recognition to Pugh and another colleague, Daphne Flores.

“It’s a team effort, and our folks are always ready to assist,” said Morales. “Daphne took care of the shopping over two days, and a team of operators from Polk assembled the boxes.”

The impact of METRO's Thanksgiving dinner box donation was evident in the faces of the children and their families. Their expressions of gratitude reflected the true meaning of the holiday – a time to come together, share with others, and express appreciation for the blessings in our lives.

“I feel privileged and honored to be a part of this,” said METRO Bus Operator Christopher Crosby who was spotted carrying boxes to waiting families. “Walking into the school and seeing the kids holding signs welcoming and thanking us made my heart melt.”

METRO's commitment to giving back to the community is not just a holiday tradition; it is an integral part of the Authority’s culture.

"I often see the dedication of METRO employees extend beyond providing transportation," said Pugh. "They are not only committed to connecting individuals to essential destinations but also to actively supporting communities through outreach initiatives.