TAVARES — The Lake County Public Transportation Division is joining the American Public Transportation Association and transit systems across the country in recognition of the Seventh Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21.

This nationwide effort encourages people to ride public transportation in an effort to raise awareness of the financial benefits of public transit. The use of public transportation enables people to save money, conserve fuel and help reduce the amount of harmful emissions that are released into the environment.

In addition, LakeXpress, Lake County’s fixed-route public transportation service will be offering one free bus ride per person, per donation on June 21-22 to those who donate various food items, which will benefit Kids Against Hunger. The needed food items, which must be in their originally sealed packages, include:

• Single-serve cereal boxes
• Pre-baked toaster pastries
• Cereal bars
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Single-serve cans of spaghetti, soups, etc.      
• Single-serve fruits cups
• Single-serve snacks

“We encourage everyone to use LakeXpress on June 21 and 22 as part of National Dump the Pump Day and to donate to Kids Against Hunger as well,” said Ken Harley, Manager of the Lake County Public Transportation Division. “These two initiatives are great in so many ways and we are happy to take part in both of them.”

Donations can be given upon boarding a LakeXpress bus for a free ride on June 21-22. Those interested in contributing can also drop-off donations at the Lake County Public Transportation Division office, located at 1300 S. Duncan Drive, Building E in Tavares.

For more information about Lake County’s participation in National Dump the Pump Day, call the Lake County Public Transportation Division at 352-742-6580.