The following was recounted by a regular, long-term client of the Volunteer Transportation program:

“There’s one particular driver who takes me to many of my appointments.  Each time he picks me up at my home, he consistently insists on carrying my purse as he helps me get down the driveway and into the car.  I usually have a bright pink purse that is hard to miss.  Unfailingly, he poses and asks me teasingly, ‘Am I color-coordinated?’  Every single time, I tell him, ‘You’re always color-coordinated!’  It’s our ongoing joke as he opens the car door for me.” 

I like the imagery that this story produces: a senior being gently escorted as she leaves her home, a volunteer and client laughing together, and a driver kindly opening the car door for his fragile passenger.  “Opening doors” is an apt metaphor for this program.  We strive to help seniors get out and about-- and hope to make them laugh in the process (pink purses and color coordination are not required!).

**Please note: We are always on the lookout for great stories from members of the Transportation Program community.  Please send any ideas to hilaryc@seniorservices.org.

By Brady Wright

Some say all good things come to an end, but those milestones are worth noting when they go by.  We are blessed to have had so many years of service and dedication from Gene Moon, our very first volunteer driver for the Hyde Shuttle in Des Moines, especially since Gene has decided to retire this month.  It’s not often that we can celebrate a first, but Gene was not only the first volunteer driver for the Des Moines/ Normandy Park Hyde Shuttle, he was the first volunteer driver in the entire system.

Gene has been an indispensable driver for nearly 15 years.

With Gene taking it easy, we now have a terrific opportunity for the next superstar volunteer to step up in Des Moines.  Driving for the Hyde Shuttle is a great way to give back to the community and help your friends and neighbors get to and from the places they want to go!  As Gene can tell you, it’s only a few hours a week, and all the training is provided.  No special license is needed and all you have to do is call Brady Wright at the Activity Center to apply at 206-878-2066.  You can email direct to bradyw@seniorservices.org if you have any questions.  We currently need at least two drivers, but more would help this wonderful service to expand even more!

Our interactive display

By Hilary Case

On the constant quest to meet the volunteer needs of the Transportation Program, my role as Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator can lead me to a variety of unique settings throughout King County.  This week, it took me to the Burien Farmers’ Market.  Although the chilly temperatures had my spirits a bit low, they were soon lifted as I met proponents of the program.  Clients and volunteers alike surfaced to remind me of what it’s all about.

One pair of women, who informed me that they use both the Hyde Shuttle and Volunteer Transportation services, came to shake my hand and thank me for being a part of such an “important and helpful program.”  I also had the opportunity to talk with current volunteers, who explained why they find giving rides to be so gratifying.  Larry Moormeier, who has served with Volunteer Transportation for over ten years, shared about recently giving a ride to an inspiring 99-year-old client.  It was easy to promote these volunteer opportunities after unexpectedly receiving such positive feedback from people who know them well.

Larry Moormeier, “incognito” Volunteer Transportation driver, out and about at the Burien Farmers' Market

All in all, it was a successful day.  I left with a warm and happy heart.

**Note: We are always seeking more ways to spread the word about Transportation Program volunteer opportunities.  If you have any volunteer outreach ideas, please contact Hilary at hilaryc@seniorservices.org. 

When Deeon Kuspert began her role as a volunteer driver, a gallon of gas cost $1.09; movie tickets cost $2.75; and a US postage stamp cost 22 cents.  28 years later, a lot has changed…. But Deeon is still serving with Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation program!

Deeon can’t think of anything she’d rather do than drive local seniors to their appointments.  Over the years, she has built up quite the camaraderie with people she drives.  Each week, Deeon picks up Covington/Maple Valley clients at their homes and drives them to the doctor. 

Deeon loves the flexibility of the program; every year, she spends two months in Arizona and resumes volunteering when she returns to Covington/Maple Valley.  She also gets to choose the days and times she volunteers, and where she wants to drive. 

We are glad that Deeon has stuck with the program for so long and commend her for the huge difference she has made in her community.  A lot may have happened in our world during Deeon’s time with Volunteer Transportation, but her positive impact has remained consistent throughout these 28 years.