1st Holiday Lights Bus Tour Spreads Cheer Through Barnegat

BARNEGAT, NJ — As families sat on a glowing school bus and explored Barnegat's best-decorated houses, funds were also raised to support local families in need.

The Barnegat Township School District's inaugural Holiday Lights Bus Tour on Dec. 15 partnered with its "Paws for a Cause" Family and Staff Assistance Program and raised $820 in funds for the program, which creates partnerships with community organizations to provide access to resources that support local families and staff members in need.

The evening featured two district school buses transformed into glowing holiday spectacles, draped in thousands of twinkling lights. Adding to the whimsy, one bus was piloted by a driver dressed as The Grinch, who traded his usual mischief for a night of community service. Families gathered at Joseph T. Donahue Elementary School, where children received light-up necklaces and holiday crafts before embarking on a 50-minute tour of Barnegat’s most impressively decorated homes and residential displays.

"We are thrilled with the turnout and the incredible energy of this event," said Superintendent of Schools Brian Latwis. "We’ve received so much positive feedback from our families, and seeing the community come together to support 'Paws for a Cause' is truly heartening. This was a fantastic first run, and we are already looking forward to doing it again next year!"

The ticket proceeds from the tour directly benefit "Paws for a Cause," a program named after the district’s Bengal mascot. The initiative serves as a lifeline for Barnegat families facing unexpected hardships, providing essential resources such as school supplies, winter coats, holiday meals, and gifts. The program also maintains "caring closets" to ensure students have access to necessities throughout the school year.

Following the success of this inaugural run, the district intends to establish the Holiday Lights Bus Tour as a seasonal tradition.