In The Valley, Press Release

TRANS-BRIDGE LINES EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR HURRICANE HELENE DONATIONS


 

Bethlehem, PA – Trans-Bridge Lines is humbled by the overwhelming support and generous donations made by individuals, businesses, and Lehigh Valley communities in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Trans-Bridge Lines held a donation drive on Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 4; delivering a bus load of items to Newport, Tennessee, on Saturday, October 5.

Trans-Bridge Lines Bus 127 is packed with cases of wa- ter. The company estimates that approximately 1,000 lbs. of water was transported in the lower baggage bays of the motorcoach.
The inside of Bus 127 is packed with essential items and ready to leave for Tennessee. Items included diapers, personal care products, cleaning supplies, blankets, and laundry supplies.
Trans-Bridge Lines employees unload 84 cases of water at their Industrial Drive facility in Bethlehem. The water was donated by Coca-Cola Bethlehem.
Driver Vinny Quinn, and his wife Joanne; front row, first and second from the right; pose with volunteers at the Newport Church of Christ after unloading a motorcoach full of supplies for Hurricane Helene victims.
Volunteers at the Newport Church of Christ unload the lower baggage bays of the bus.
Volunteers at the Newport Church of Christ in Tennessee unload donations. Pictured are tables of clothing for distribution and storage units for holding items.

Hurricane Helene has left a significant impact on families and communities, and the outpouring of generosity has made it possible for Trans-Bridge to provide critical aid to those most affected. Thanks to contributions, they have been able to supply essential items such as diapers, bottled water, first aid supplies, and cleaning products to smaller towns displaced by the storm.

President of Trans-Bridge Lines, Tom JeBran, expressed his heartfelt gratitude. “We are deeply moved by the compas-sion and support shown by our donors. Every donation, large or small, has made a tremendous difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene. These donations have provided not just immediate relief but also hope to those who have lost so much.”

In addition to individual contributions, several businesses came forward with significant donations. These collaborative efforts underscore the strength of community and the power of unity in the face of disaster. Trans-Bridge wishes to acknowledge the following businesses, organizations, and individuals for their help in spreading the word about the donation drive and their contributions:

Associated Fasteners, Inc., Coca-Cola/Bethlehem, Tony Ianelli/Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lehigh Valley International Airport, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Service Electric Cable TV, South Whitehall Police, South Whitehall Township Commissioners, St Luke’s Human Resources Department, Bobby Gunther Walsh /WABE Radio, Weis/Cedar Crest, Allentown; and Woodlawn Fire Department.

“It is important to recognize our staff who made the relief drive happen. We had one day to organize and our event co- ordinator Liz Cancelliere and operations team, under the direction of Mark Ertel and Shane Gray, did an astounding job keeping things organized and donations sorted,” JeBran stated. “A special thanks to all our motorcoach drivers, mainte- nance staff under the direction of Jerry Featherman, the ATU (Amalgamated Transit Union), and employee volunteers for their support as well.”

The company is most grateful to their retired driver, Vinny Quinn, who along with his wife Joanne, made the trip to Tennessee on their behalf.

“They were delayed by traffic going to and from Tennessee, stayed in a hotel where the water had to be boiled, and were diverted to another drop-off location, but through it all they were positive and focused on getting the supplies there,” stated Mark Ertel, vice president of operations. “A detour off of I-81 even made it necessary for Vinny to maneuver small country roads that were barely able to fit a motorcoach, but as an expert driver, we were confident that he could do it and he did.”

All items were delivered to the Newport Church of Christ, which was a drop-off location and distribution center. Quinn noted the line of people who were receiving items and was humbled.

“The volunteers and recipients were a great group of people,” Quinn said, “They told me if we ever had the need, they will return the favor to assist our area. That stayed with me.”

 

Trans-Bridge Lines, in its 83rd year of operation, began in 1941. It offers daily service to New York City and Newark Airport from the Lehigh Valley area and Clinton, New Jersey, as well as weekday service to Wall Street. Daily service to New York is also available from Bucks County, Branchburg, and Flemington points of departure, and the company offers daily Pier Transportation Service to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal from the Lehigh Valley and Clinton, New Jersey areas. Additionally, daily service from New York is provided to Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino. Charter services for business groups, schools, and organizations are custom-designed for one-day, overnight, sporting events, and show trips.

Affiliate company, Trans-Bridge Tours, Inc., offers Multi-Day, One-Day, and Casino Tours, as well as Air and Cruise Vaca-tions.

Trans-Bridge Lines is a member of the American Bus Association, Bus Association of New Jersey, Bus Association of New York, Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association, International Motorcoach Group, and Pennsylvania Bus Association.

Informatiion provided to TVL by:
Jennifer Lechiski