Broken bus won't stop mission

OREGON, Ohio (WUPW) - A gold and purple bus has become a symbol of hope for many in the community.

Volunteers at New Harvest Church in Oregon travel around in it, and help those in need, whether they are homeless or victims of a disaster. It's kind of a mobile healthcare concept. volunteers get on the bus and find those who need medical help, and help them for free.

"People know when the purple bus rolls up, there's something good in it for them," said Pastor Steve North. "I can hardly drive anywhere, where people aren't hollering, smiling, and waving. It's an icon in this city."

The bus, though, is in need of some attention. It broke down with a faulty engine Labor Day weekend on Interstate 75.

The bus is equipped with medical supplies.

"When they see this bus they know that there's a medical person on board and that's how they know we're there," said Terri Swartzlander, church volunteer.

"Our nurses will check blood pressures, sugars, do basic screens," added Pastor North. "As simple as that sounds, it has actually saved several people's lives."

As you can imagine without the familiar, and useful, vehicle there's a big part of their operation that is missing.

"Two weeks ago (Pastor) Steve couldn't be there," Swartzlander said. "We set up a table and it was just not the same. The first thing out of everyone's mouths - you are not doing medical? Where's the bus? Why isn't it here?"

The church is hoping for community support to help fix the bus. In the meantime, New Harvest will continue to show up near the library in Downtown Toledo every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, offering their services, with or without their colorful ride.