GILL — Despite a late start, the “Busloads of Blessings” donation drive spearheaded by the bus company Travel Kuz was successful in collecting a variety of donations in one of its school buses to be distributed to families in need across Franklin County.

Starting Nov. 1, the bus company began collecting monetary donations along with supplies like non-perishable food, diapers, winter clothing and toys. Travel Kuz partnered with United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts, ultimately raising $766 in monetary donations, according to Travel Kuz Operations Manager Jonathan Harris.

Harris explained the donation drive partnership with United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters began in 2022, and this year people were encouraged to stop at drop-off sites at local businesses such as Food City in Turners Falls, Fosters Supermarket in Greenfield and Tractor Supply Co. in Greenfield. On Dec. 14, Travel Kuz collected donations at the Franklin County Fairgrounds during the Festival of Trees to conclude the campaign.

Following a delay in launching the campaign this year, Harris said the plan for next year is to reach farther out to the rural areas of Franklin County and into the North Quabbin, and start promoting the effort earlier in the fall.

United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region Program Director Jenny Coeur said the money and donations were split evenly between Big Brothers Big Sisters and United Way, with around 30 bags of donations being given to United Way. Coeur said partner organizations that will receive the donations, to in turn distribute them to residents in need that they serve, include the Mary Lyon Foundation, the Franklin County Community Meals Program, Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Center for Self-Reliance and Stone Soup Cafe.

In reflecting on this donation drive, Coeur said the donations never go to waste, and are always appreciated by those who receive them.

“The need is high, and things that are collected go right back out into the community. They’re used right away, especially during this time of year,” Coeur said. “It’s wonderful to be able to have items that are ready to go right out, and through these important programs that are in our region.”

Harris feels similarly, saying that in this time when need is high in the community, every donation helps.

“Folks are always very gracious to receive these donations that we get in,” Harris said. “It means a lot. ... There’s food shortages today, there’s housing and money shortages — all sorts of things like that. It’s just very important to make that connection with the community.”

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.