What began as a suggestion from drivers at Fullington Trailways quickly transformed into a community-wide effort to support North Carolina residents in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
President and CEO Jonathan Berzas led the charge, bringing together employees, businesses, and the community to support a cause far beyond its hometown of State College, Pennsylvania.
The donation drive, held throughout October, culminated in the delivery of much-needed supplies to the ABCCM Servant Leadership Center, in Arden, North Carolina, on Nov. 5.
“We heard other bus companies in Pennsylvania were sending buses with supplies, and our drivers suggested we do the same,” said Berzas, who has been with the company for 13 years. “I thought, ‘Let’s try this.’ Our HR, sales, driver, and operations teams came together, and we started by asking employees to contribute.”
The drive quickly expanded after a conversation Berzas had with friends.
“I mentioned the drive while camping, and one of my friends asked if we could open it to the public. That Monday, I asked my team to include the community and our customers,” Berzas said.
Outpouring of generosity
The enthusiastic response was unexpected.
The donations included about 10,000 pounds of supplies: pallets of water, canned goods, nonperishable food, hygiene products, diapers, pet supplies, and paper towels. A local business, Caparelli Plumbing, contributed four pallets of water, while Fullington employees and local organizations raised over $1,100 for the American Red Cross.
Although clothing donations weren’t accepted at the primary location, driver John Hartman found another organization to take them, ensuring every item was used.
Fullington Trailways has a workforce of nearly 500 employees and a fleet of 75 motorcoaches, primarily MCI coaches, 250 school buses serving districts across Pennsylvania and beyond, and service vehicles to support its operations.
The company frequently engages in community initiatives, from holiday “Stuff the Bus” events collecting toys for children to supporting disaster relief efforts in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.
The company’s deep commitment to its employees and communities reflects its culture.
“We have a corporate structure, but our culture is like a family,” said Berzas, the first non-family CEO in the company’s 116-year history. “Our employees are our greatest asset. When they see their company cares for them and their communities, it creates loyalty and pride.”
The success of this donation drive highlights not only the generosity of the State College community but also the collaborative nature of the bus industry.
“The bus industry is incredibly generous,” Berzas said. “Many companies step up during disasters. I hope this inspires others to do the same.”
