As all children of the Albany community are bused from the village every day, Albany United Methodist Church will have two teams offering smiling faces and affirming, encouraging words as students load the buses and travel nine miles to their schools this year.

Pastor Nancy Weingartner said the School Superintendent was delighted to learn of their intention and they have the full support of his office.

“There are so many things our children and youth need to hear on a daily basis to nourish their hearts and minds. A weekly (Bus Stop Buddies will be present every Tuesday morning) affirmation will be typed on a piece of paper and distributed to every student,” said Weingartner.

Albany UMC’s teams will be clearly identified by T-Shirts that read “Bus Stop Buddies” and though initial volunteers are from the congregation, it is hoped others from the community will want to encourage our children/youth as well.

“It takes a village to raise a child”... we intend to put those words into concrete action,” said Weingartner.