The South Bryan Christian Ministerial Association will hold a “Blessing of the Fleet” for school buses and transportation personnel at noon Tuesday at New Life Church.

The tradition dates back several centuries when fishermen and boats in small European villages would receive a blessing from a local pastor for a safe and bountiful season.

Tuesday’s event will be tailored for bus drivers, monitors, mechanics and transportation staff from Bryan County Schools.

“Being a bus driver is often a thankless job,” said Allen Cox, the district’s director of transportation. “Yet it is so critical to the lives of our students and our community.”

A light lunch will be served at the event. New Life Church is located at 16252 Highway 144.

Organizers said attendees are welcome to bring donations for bus drivers, including gift certificates for bus washes from the TA Travel Center on U.S. 17, markers, pes, sani-wipes and hand gel.