Volunteer Sara C. knows the powerful impact that helping others can have on a person’s life, and she recognizes that an ethic of service is developed at a very young age.  She remembers volunteering with her mother in nursing homes during her early childhood—at a time when very few other experiences were implanted in her memory.  And now, as she has a family of her own, she hopes to instill this same value of kindness in her own children.

Sara actively includes her two little ones (ages four and almost-two) in the rides that she provides through Volunteer Transportation.  They may not be old enough to contribute to the tasks at hand, but she knows that they are gaining something in the process.  Sara says, “I really hope they learn how important volunteering is.  I want them to realize that, throughout their lifetime, they’ll meet many people who have different needs.  Since we have the ability to help, it’s important for us to do so.”

This lesson is one that Sara takes to heart as well.  Because she isn’t able to assist her own grandmother, who is 93-years-old and far away in Saint Louis, she values the opportunity to help other seniors on King County’s Eastside.  This comes full circle with the clients she drives.  Many passengers have expressed that they love spending time with Sara and her children because they have very limited opportunities to see their own grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

She remembers one particular passenger, whom she describes as “the sweetest lady-- but very lonely,” who instantly developed a bond with her son.  Sara explains, “Her face literally lit up when she saw him.”  Sara also recalls a time when her daughter was so taken by a particular passenger that she continued to ask for her by name-- long after the ride was over.  These intergenerational connections are very special.

Sara admits, though, that including young children in serving as a Volunteer Driver can be a bit intimidating.  “At first, it was daunting,” Sara says.  “I wondered: What will happen if the kids start screaming?  Will they be bored?  Will they get used to it?”  Her worries were soon lifted, and she discovered that all it requires is a bit of patience and preparation.  She now packs snacks, toys, and games that help make medical waiting rooms more entertaining, and she has also learned how to keep an arm free for the client while keeping her little ones in a front pack, stroller, or at hand-holding distance.