News Release

Omnitrans Brings Buses, Special Guest to Help Make Holidays Brighter

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - ‘Tis the season of giving, and Omnitrans will once again help local shoppers get into the spirit of the season by “Stuffing an Omnitrans Bus” with new, unwrapped gifts at two upcoming events in support of ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters’ 16th Annual “Spark of Love” Toy Drive.

On Friday, December 5, ABC7’s Garth Kemp and KFRG 95.1 will be on hand at Ontario Mills (in the parking lot near Krispy Kreme) from 4:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. as shoppers help bring holiday joy to some special children. On Saturday, December 13, Omnitrans staff will join the fun from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Wal-Mart in San Bernardino (4001 Hallmark Parkway) to greet generous “Santa’s Helpers” as they donate new, unwrapped toys to children in need.

Once again this year, Omnitrans will be bringing a very special guest to the events. Seventeen-year agency veteran Michael Donato, a coach operator, will appear at both events as Santa Claus. Rolling up in a customized “reindeer-mobile” driven by devoted wife Dianne, also a coach operator, Mike volunteers his time and signature good cheer at these and several other Inland Valley events for children. “It’s my favorite time of year, and I’ll do anything for kids,” says Mike, who begins growing his hair during late summer and suffers through an annual hair coloring session to become St. Nick.

The “Spark of Love” Toy Drive collects toys and games for underserved children throughout the Southland, and last year distributed more than 600,000 toys. Best of all, all toys collected in San Bernardino County will stay local, and be distributed to kids in surrounding communities.

“We’re honored to be part of the Toy Drive once again this year,” said CEO/General Manager Durand Rall. “Our team already has filled several boxes to help stuff our buses!”

Those who can’t attend “Stuff an Omnitrans Bus” events, but still would like to participate in the Toy Drive, can donate a toy at local fire stations and CVS Pharmacy Stores. For further information, please call (818) 863-7777.

Founded in 1976, Omnitrans is the public transit agency serving fifteen cities and the unincorporated areas of the Inland Valley of San Bernardino County in Southern California. Omnitrans currently operates 32 fixed bus routes in a
480-square-mile area. Omnitrans also provides OmniLink and Access
demand-response service, and is a partner in the Inland Empire Connection express bus service. The American Public Transportation Association has named Omnitrans the Outstanding Transit System of its size in both 1995
and 1999. Omnitrans also has received twelve safety awards from the
National Safety Council.