As recently as five years ago, Terry Field scooted around on roller skates.
“I enjoyed it,” she said, “until my knee started to bother me.”
Today, the 91-year-old Auburn woman is more inclined to keep her feet planted firmly on the ground and ask others for a little help getting around.
Still, there are times when securing a ride to reach important destinations can be difficult. That’s where Glenna Atwood and a generous few from the community come in. They are providing a much-needed lift for Auburn’s elderly through the Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation Program.
“It’s very rewarding because everyone appreciates it when you take them,” said Atwood, who donates her time and the use of her vehicle each week to help those in need. “I’ll do it until I can no longer drive safely.”
Each year, more than 4,000 King County seniors and adults with disabilities turn to Senior Services drivers with their transportation needs. Senior Services is a comprehensive non-profit agency serving older adults in the state.
Transportation remains a problem for Auburn’s older population. For those who no longer drive and have little family or friends to help out, getting around can be difficult.
For Field, a former elementary school secretary and longtime Auburnite, the service is handy and appreciated. Field must regularly visit a specialist to treat her degenerative vision.
Last week, Atwood answered the call, performing a 47-mile roundtrip so Field could visit her doctor in Burien.
“It’s an important program,” Atwood said, “and (Terry) is a lovely girl.”
Another volunteer driver is Doris Jones.
When she isn’t gardening, Jones drives seniors to their medical appointments and other essential stops twice a week.
With her busy family life, the program’s flexibility appeals to Jones – she can drive when and where she wants to.
“If you want to help seniors, this is the program,” Jones said. “The people who I take to the doctor are each unique, and I like hearing their stories.”
Unfortunately, the program doesn’t have enough drivers to meet the demand. In the past month, the service turned down ride requests for an average of 15-20 seniors per week, according to Melissa Tribelhorn, recruitment and outreach coordinator for the Senior Services Transportation Program.
Volunteers are urgently needed. They can use their own vehicles and choose the days, times and areas in which they want to drive. They also receive mileage and parking reimbursement, as well as supplemental liability insurance.
====
For more information or to find out how to help, please call Melissa Tribelhorn at 206-748-7588, e-mail her at melissat@seniorservices.org or visit www.seniorservices.org.
