Donate Food and Ride Free In Montgomery County

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

eb/giveride.pr 99-399

Contact: Carolyn Biggins, 240-777-5800
For Immediate Release (November 3, 1999)

DONATE FOOD AND RIDE FREE
IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Ride On bus passengers in Montgomery County can help needy families and receive a free bus ride this holiday season by donating canned or nonperishable food on any trip from Monday, November 15 through Sunday, November 21 during Ride On's 13th Annual "Give and Ride" Food drive.

"Last year, we collected more than 15 tons of food during this annual event," said Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "The 'Give and Ride' program is a wonderful opportunity for bus riders to conveniently help others, and for the County to recognize the donors' generosity. It's a great way to start this season of giving and sharing," he said.

All food donations will be sent to the Manna Food Center, Inc., a non-profit organization that is the County's food distribution arm.

"We ask our riders to donate generously to this year's food drive," said Carolyn Biggins, General Manager of Ride On. "We have families in need, and this is one way our riders and our staff can help make the holiday season happier and healthier for many of 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 the three free shuttles in Rockville, Silver Spring, and Bethesda, Ride On urges them to participate in the Food Drive and bring their donations to the shuttle buses.

All food donations, whether one or more cans, will be valued at the peak fare 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. 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.dpwt.com/rideon.

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