Mpls Bus Driver Helping Tornado Victims
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The tornado recovery effort for North Minneapolis got a boost Friday, thanks to a Minneapolis bus driver. Ed Field dropped off a bus filled with food and other necessities for tornado victims.
Five days a week, Ed Field makes his way through north Minneapolis neighborhoods shuttling kids from their homes to school.
But on Friday, Ed transported more than just students. He had other precious cargo on bus 704.
"You got to be careful on the turns and with the roads in the condition they are now, not easy keeping this stuff from bouncing off the seats," said Ed Field, a Minneapolis bus driver.
Donations for tornado victims took up two rows of seats. When Ed thought of who could donate, he didn't want to ask the kids or their families who rode his bus.
"Some of the kids I transport actually live in the area that was devastated from the tornado, so I decided these have to come from other people," said Field.
The help came from teachers, Ed's co-workers and family.
"They want to contribute a lot of times, but they don't know how or don't have the time," said Field.
The donation couldn't come soon enough because the need will be there for days, maybe weeks.
"Our electricity went out, so we lost food. I have five kids, a single mom, so it was real serious to me," said Patricia White, whose home was damaged by the tornado.
"It makes you feel good to help people," said Field.
When the tornado hit, Field was preparing to wind down a 43-year career as a bus driver, a satisfying end, knowing one of his final drop offs will make a difference.
"It is a high note," said Field.
Ed also used his bus to collect donations for Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005 and has also held yearly Toys for Tots drives.
