Hilary, our Volunteer Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, will be at the Viva Volunteers! Fair on Saturday, April 6, in Kirkland.  Please stop by and say "hello!"  You can find out more here.

It is no secret that many members of the Volunteer Transportation staff are animal lovers.  Therefore, their hearts melted when they opened this card (sent in by John, a client of the program) in yesterday's mail:

It says, "Sometimes it is hard to find the right words to express gratitude and appreciation.  When I look at this picture of our dog Bella, it reminds me of that fact.

I'll just say, I think you are doing a great service for me and everyone like me who sometimes need transportation they can count on with a friendly, personal touch.

Thank you so much."

Both our Volunteer Transportation and Hyde Shuttle programs provide equally valuable services to senior residents of King County, while offering fun and worthwhile ways for volunteer drivers to spend their time.  Although Hyde Shuttles can be found in 13 areas of the County, volunteer drivers run the routes in Shoreline/Lake Forest Park, Burien, and Des Moines.  They are a small but mighty bunch, and riders of the shuttles adore them. 

Here is the account of one such enthusiastic passenger:

“I love the Hyde Shuttle.  I would be very devastated if I didn’t have access to the program.  If I couldn’t ride the shuttle, I wouldn’t be able to get out and interact with other people my age at the Senior Center.  This is so important to me.  I’m always making new friends, and I really need socialization.  My life would be so boring if I didn’t have this opportunity.  Without that activity, I would feel lost and grow tired of watching TV so much.   Even weekends seem long.  I love meeting new people and making them feel comfortable. ..

Getting out also helps me with my mental agility.  I forget things a lot, and I’ve been told that I’m in the early stages of dementia.  I really think going to activities helps me keep my mind from getting weaker...I don’t know what I’d do without the program because I have balance problems and cannot use other transportation options…

The shuttles are all very nice and are in good condition.  The seats are also very comfortable, and I can come on in my wheelchair…

 The drivers are all so courteous and kind.  I appreciate them so much… I have every confidence in the world in them.  They all deserve a gold medal!!”

~~Carolyn A.,  regular Hyde Shuttle client

Three cheers (and a gold medal) for all Hyde Shuttle volunteer drivers!!