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Generous Donors Fund Bus, Save After-School Program

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By LISA PEARSON The Sun

Published: November 21, 2007

Updated: 11/19/2007 07:13 pm

WIMAUMA - Some transportation issues for the children of Wimauma have been overcome due to the help of the Community Foundation of Sun City Center.

A new, 25-passenger 2007 Ford Starcraft is the answered prayer for the owners and workers at the Good Samaritan Mission in Wimauma.

This year, the Hillsborough County School Board made a decision to stop transporting students from Wimauma and Summerfield elementary schools to attend the Good Samaritan Mission's after-school program.

After a plea for help in the mission's monthly newsletter, the Rev. Bill and Dora Cruz, the mission's founders, said their prayers were answered.

"Our after-school program nearly faded away after that decision from the school board," Bill Cruz said.

It was important to the employees of the mission that the children continue to receive tutoring at the after-school program.

"Literacy and remedial classes that we provide will help the students improve their school performance," Dora Cruz said.

The new bus, which cost $51,000, also will be used to take children on field trips, take the youth group to special events and assist in transportation to Sunday church for area families.

Ray and Nancy Murray of Clearwater were eating dinner one evening when Nancy happened to read an issue of the mission's newsletter that discussed the problems of transportation.

"I just knew we had to help them," said Nancy Murray.

The couple had given money on several other occasions, privately and through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay.

"I have a special fondness for women and children and being able to help them," Nancy Murray said.

Ray Murray is the former treasurer of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. The couple decided to take a trip out to the mission recently so they could see the facilities and bus.

"We are just tickled that they came all the way here to see us," said Dora Cruz.

Also present to take a ride in the bus were Community Foundation of Sun City Center representatives Sally Erath, Evelyn Lunsford and Sister Rosalie Hennessey. Their organization donated $20,000 toward the purchase of the bus.

"Their consistent concern for the needs of the people in the community is unequaled," Bill Cruz said.

Good Samaritan Mission is at 14920 Balm-Wimauma Road, Wimauma. For information, call (813) 634-7136.

Lisa Pearson is a reporter for The Sun, which is an affiliate of the South Shore News & Tribune. She can be reached at (813) 865-1554 or lpearson@mediageneral.com.

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