Middletown bus drivers collect winter clothing for students in need

So tired in fact, she decided to start doing something about it.

With the help of fellow bus drivers — and local community members of a Middletown Facebook group page — donations of winter coats, gloves and hats are coming in.

And now when a student boards a Middletown bus, there is a good chance the driver might surprise them with a gift of warmer clothing.

“We’ve gotten a really big response,” said Franklin of the donations coming in from across the city. “We are getting jackets, hats and gloves, especially since it has gotten colder outside.”

Franklin credits her social media friends at the Facebook group "Middletown Taking Back Our Streets" for helping spread the word about the need for clothing donations.

But Middletown Schools Business Manager George Long also credits Franklin and her fellow bus drivers.

“It is always nice when the hidden heroes within a district again provide a safety net for our students,” Long said.

The city school district’s bus drivers are uniquely positioned, he said, to see the community and its areas of need.

The 51 Middletown bus operators drive 4,100 miles each school day, transporting about 4,000 students to 20 public, private and parochial schools.

“There is no group more aware of the need for coats, hats and gloves for our students. I’m very proud that our drivers just took it upon themselves to again take care of our children. They are a dedicated, caring and compassionate group that goes beyond just driving the bus,” Long said.

Middletown Schools spokeswoman Destini Burns said the school system “is grateful to have bus drivers that care about our students, and this initiative shows the spirit of community that the city of Middletown has and is fostering.”

Franklin said asking for the help of residents — and the outpouring of donations — revealed what she already knew about her hometown.

“It’s what this community is about and you find out again how good this community can be,” she said.

Those interested in donating winter outdoor clothing should visit Middletown Taking Back Our Streets.