For some of us, it can be difficult to imagine what others need and how they live each day without the basics we don’t give a second thought to. For JPS bus driver, Kristin Bredeweg, hearing about the needs of kids and families in the West Michigan area each day on the radio was all she needed to get her bus kids involved.
“I wanted to do something for my bus kiddos to show and teach them that there is fun in giving and not just getting. It’s so important to me to not only be a responsible bus driver, but to also teach life lessons to these kids. I’ve been the only driver some of these kids have ever had, so there are sweet relationships built not only with my kids, but with their families!”
Ms Bredeweg knows that her bus kids have all they need, so when she mentioned the need that some students have with basic, personal clothing items such as socks and underwear, the kids were on board! “When we started talking about doing this donation drive my bus kids could not wrap their minds around kids that NEEDED socks and underwear. Their faces said it all to me … they absolutely wanted to help!”
And “come through” they did. “We ended up donating 31 packages of socks and 30 packages of underwear in just one week! And I’m not talking single pairs, but packages of multiple pairs of socks and underwear! I am sooooooo proud of my bus kids!”
But that’s not all Ms Bredeweg has done this winter with and for her bus kids! At the beginning of winter break, she took her kids on a bus field trip around Cedar Lake to see the Christmas lights, including one house with a ten-minute light show! Ms Bredeweg sweetened the trip with a custard donation from Culver’s and then a quick stop at her home [which was also decorated beautifully!] to get pictures.
While parents and community members have much to be thankful for in such a caring and special bus driver, they are certainly part of the Mutual Admiration Society. Ms Bredeweg tells us how thankful she is that families joined in to be part of something so meaningful and important. “I know the hearts of my bus families and I saw the look of joy on these kids faces when another bag of goodies was brought on the bus. It’s simple acts of kindness and opportunities to learn life lessons that make lasting impacts on these kids! It’s important for kids to know it’s not just the “big people” in the world that can make a difference, its all ages – if just given the chance and opportunity!! I love my Bauerwood bus kids of Panda Bus #12-17 and their families! I have been the one truly blessed; my heart is so full of joy!”
Thank you, Ms Bredeweg and Panda Bus #12-17! You should be very proud of not only your donations but also for the ways you exemplify the value of giving. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and winter break – welcome back!
Bless your sweet hearts. That will be a memory that lasts!! High five!
Thanks Joyce! High five right back at you! 🙂
I keep hearing these kinds of good things about Mrs. Bredeweg from our two grandkids that rise the Panda bus! It is so wonderful to hear of people like her that impact our grandchildren in such a positive way. I got to see her at our grandson’s football game cheer him on and hand him a favorite treat. I pray that they are both learning to be giving people, looking for ways to make others question why so that they will be able to share the good news about Jesus! I am so glad they were able to donate new socks and underwear, things our grandkids take for granted!!! It will develop a heart of compassion. THANK YOU, Kristin Bredeweg for loving on our grandkids. And by the way you rocked the “Mrs. Santa” outfit. Keep up the good work and God bless! The world will be a better place because of you!