Vandalia senior center seeking volunteer drivers
The City of Vandalia Senior Citizens Center is looking for a few good drivers to carry on a 13-year legacy of providing transportation to area seniors.
The Center’s VanTran program offers low-cost rides to Vandalia and Butler Township residents to selected destinations in northern Montgomery County.
“The program is designed to help those who are either temporarily unable to drive, or who can no longer drive,” said Toni Williams, Senior Center Coordinator. “We’ll take riders to any Vandalia location for $1 each way, to any Butler Township location for $2 each way, and to some areas of Englewood and Huber Heights for $3 each way.”
Wiiliams said some of the people who use the program like having the ability to independently access transportation without
having to ask friends and family.
In order to qualify for VanTran services, a person must live in Vandalia or Butler Township, must be 60 or older, and must be able to get in and out of the vehicle independently.
The VanTran program began in 2008 with enough volunteer drivers to provide transportation three days a week. For the
last 5 years, the program has had enough drivers to offer rides Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Unfortunately we have seen a number of our regular drivers give up their shifts,” said Williams. “Changes in their family situation, health problems, or moves out of the area are the most common reasons we will
lose a volunteer driver.”
Williams said the program is currently operating only a few days a week because there are just not enough drivers available.
To be a volunteer VanTran driver, the individual must have regular hours of availability, a clean driving record, and the ability to carry light loads. “The drivers may need to carry a walker to the back of the van, or assist carrying groceries to a customer’s front door,” Williams explained.
Anyone interested in becoming a VanTran driver should contact Toni Williams, 937-898-1232. They will be asked to fill out an application, submit to a background check and have a clean driving record. They will also need a doctor’s signature verifying the individual is medically capable of fulfilling the duties of the position.
“All potential volunteers are asked to ride along with an existing driver to get a feel for the position,” Williams said. “We won’t ask anyone to drive solo until they are comfortable with the duties.”
Once in the system, volunteers typically drive just one or two days a week.
“These volunteers are making a tremendous difference in the lives of our local seniors,” Williams said. “They’re giving people a lifeline, and an ability to continue living independently.”