Honoring a Legacy of Volunteer Driving

The year is 1984. A gallon of gas costs $1.10; movie tickets are $2.50; and the average price of a new home is $86,000. Ghostbusters is the popular film of the day, and Miami Vice catches national interest as a captivating new crime drama series. Concurrently, Deeon Kuspert, a Renton resident, discovers Volunteer Transportation as a meaningful to way to spend her time now that all of her children are in school.

Flash forward to 2014. Gas, movie tickets, and homes cost a great deal more; many films and television programs have come and gone; and Deeon’s children are all grown up. But Deeon is still serving as volunteer driver!

Deeon was honored for her 30 years of service at Senior Services’ Transportation Program’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in December 2014. She was presented with an impressive Lifetime Achievement Award signed by President Barak Obama, as well as a lovely car charm made by Tiffany & Co., in recognition of her sustained commitment to civic participation. She also received a standing ovation by all those in attendance, many of whom were so moved by the tribute that they had tears in their eyes.

Deeon is humble when asked about her volunteer experience. She reports that she was very surprised by the accolades presented to her in December, and that volunteering is just a way of life for her. She says, “I enjoy meeting all of the people I drive. They so appreciate the program.” She also gives credit to Volunteer Transportation staff for making her volunteer work so effortless. She adds, “It’s such a well-run program, and it gets better all the time!” She values the flexibility of this volunteer role and knows that it provides a needed service.

A lot may have changed since 1984, but Deeon’s profound and positive impact remains the same. Service is clearly an integral of her identity, and she continues to touch lives with her kindness and generosity. Our community is a more humane and better place to live because of volunteers like Deeon.

*More volunteer drivers are always needed throughout King County. Find out more by calling Hilary at (206)748-7588, visiting the website at www.seniorservices.org/transportation, or emailing Hilary at hilaryc@seniorservices.org. No matter how long you volunteer for the program, you will build your own legacy of compassion!