First Student, the nation's leader in student transportation, donated $5,000 to The Help Group of Sherman Oaks, California. A special reception was held April 9, 2008, in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month. The reception was hosted by The Help Group and honored individuals and organizations that have shown a commitment to the children and families of California who are living with autism spectrum disorders. Bill Young, First Student region operations manager for California, and Clay Fauth, First Student contract manager, attended the reception where First Student was recognized by The Help Group for the generous contribution.

The Help Group, founded in 1975, is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism, Asperger's disorder, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems.

"We at First Student are pleased to be able to assist such an inspiring organization as The Help Group," said Liz Sanchez, senior region vice president of operations for California. "We recognize the caring and devotion The Help Group demonstrates as it offers vital services to improve the quality of life for children and their families living with autism."

"At First Student, we understand the commitment it takes to provide children and their families with the level of service they deserve," said Young. "As the nation's leader in student transportation, we are dedicated to keeping the children entrusted to us on our buses safe and secure. It's a responsibility we take very seriously."

First Student provides student transportation for more than 100 school districts and private schools throughout California and operates 2,300 buses that carry California special needs children safely to and from school. "Our drivers and school bus monitors are specially trained professionals and our school buses are equipped with the latest safety features to ensure all children enjoy a safe trip to and from school each day," said Sanchez.

First Student, the U.S. subsidiary of FirstGroup America, is the largest provider of school bus transportation in North America. With a fleet of 62,000 yellow school buses, First Student safely transports nearly 4 million students to and from school every day across the U.S. and Canada. First Student is dedicated to providing the safest and most efficient student transportation service in North America. For more information, please visit .