Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Beverly LeMasters, 240-777-5800
For Immediate Release: November 2, 2001

DONATE FOOD AND RIDE FREE
IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY;
Need is Greater This Year

Ride On bus passengers in Montgomery County can help needy families and receive free bus rides this holiday season by donating canned or nonperishable food on any trip from Saturday, November 10 through Sunday, November 18 during Ride On’s 15th Annual “Give and Ride” Food drive.

“This year, the need is much greater than usual because of significantly fewer charitable contributions to food banks,” said Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. “The ‘Give and Ride’ program is a wonderful opportunity for bus riders to conveniently help other Americans who are going hungry, and for the County to recognize the donors’ generosity. It’s another great way to show our community spirit at the start this season of giving and sharing,” he said.

All food donations will be sent to the Manna Food Center, a non-profit organization that distributes food to the County’s neediest residents. Last year’s donations fed nearly 1,000 people for four days.

“We ask our riders to donate generously to this year’s food drive,” said Carolyn Biggins, General Manager of Ride On. “We have extended the drive this year by two additional days because the need is so great. There are area families who are truly desperate, and this is one way our riders and our staff can help to make the holiday season happier and healthier for them.”

Food collection bags will be placed near the fare box on all of Ride On’s buses. In exchange for a food donation, passengers will ride the bus for free. For those riders using Ride On’s free shuttles and services, Ride On urges them to participate in the Food Drive and bring their donations to the buses, as well. All food donations, whether one or more cans, will be valued at the peak fare rate of $1.10. Riders who wish to buy a Regional One-Day pass will need to add $1.40 to the fare box. Food donations will also be accepted at the Commuter Express Store, 8401 Colesville Road in Silver Spring. Those bringing canned or nonperishable food to the Commuter Store will receive a Courtesy Card for a free ride.

Residents who do not ride the bus but wish to donate food can participate by giving their donations to a bus operator at any Ride On bus stop, or donate food to the Wheaton, Silver Spring, or Upcounty Regional Service Centers. Checks made out to Manna Food Center will also be accepted.

For bus stop locations or bus schedules, call the County’s Transit Information Center at 240-777-7433. The TDD/TTY number is 240-777-5869. Route and timetable information is also available on Ride On’s web site at www.RideOnbus.com where tokens and passes can be purchased online.