Students in need will be receiving help from Long Beach Transit (LBT) after employees recently donated school supplies, hygiene supplies and food in cooperation with the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials’ (COMTO) Southern California Chapter Back to School Drive.

All of the supplies donated will go to the Long Beach Unified School District’s (LBUSD) Mary McLeod Bethune Transitional Center for Homeless Students Program, which provides for over 500 homeless students each year.

The items were donated Thursday and ranged from backpacks, pencils, pens, notebooks, non-perishable foods and other personal hygiene items.

According to the release, COMTO’s Back to School Drive is part of its mission to maximize participation in the transportation industry in order to provide opportunities for individuals, business and communities of color.

“Long Beach Transit fosters employee engagement and promotes a focus on community as part of our organizational priorities,” said LBT Chief Executive Officer Kenneth McDonald in the release. “The level of employee participation reflects the deep commitment LBT has for the communities we serve.”

LBUSD’s Mary McLeod Bethune Transitional Center helps local homeless students with anything from health exams, mental health counseling and tutoring. The Center also provides necessities such as transportation, school uniforms, backpacks, hygienic packs and other supplies.

LBUSD Director of Student Support Services Dr. Erin M. Simon was very appreciative of the donations.

“On behalf of the families we serve, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the donation of school supplies,” he stated in the release. “The generous gift of LBT employees through the COMTO Back to School Drive will enable LBUSD to serve more students and their families affected by homelessness.”