Family Volunteering: Taking it to the Roads

Volunteer Sara C. knows the powerful impact that helping others can have on a person’s life, and she recognizes that an ethic of service is developed at a very young age. She remembers volunteering with her mother in nursing homes during her early childhood—at a time when very few other experiences were implanted in her memory. And now, as she has a family of her own, she hopes to instill this same value of compassion in her own children.

Sara actively includes her two little ones (ages four and almost-two) in the rides that she provides through Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation program. Each week, they pack up their car (kids in the backseat), pick-up elderly residents of their community, and take them to/from medical appointments. Her young members of the “driving team” may not be old enough to contribute to the tasks at hand, but she knows that they are gaining something in the process. Sara says, “I really hope they learn how important volunteering is. I want them to realize that, throughout their lifetime, they’ll meet many people who have different needs. Since we have the ability to help, it’s important for us to do so.”

This lesson is one that Sara takes to heart as well. Because she isn’t able to assist her own grandmother, who is 93-years-old and far away in Saint Louis, she values the opportunity to help other seniors in King County. This comes full circle with the clients she drives. Many passengers have expressed that they love spending time with Sara and her children because they have very limited opportunities to see their own grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

She remembers one particular passenger, whom she describes as “the sweetest lady-- but very lonely,” who instantly developed a bond with her son. Sara explains, “Her face literally lit up when she saw him.” Sara also recalls a time when her daughter was so taken by a particular passenger that she continued to ask for her by name-- long after the ride was over. These intergenerational connections are very special.

Sara admits, though, that including young children in serving as a Volunteer Driver can be a bit intimidating. “At first, it was daunting,” Sara says. “I wondered: What will happen if the kids start screaming? Will they be bored? Will they get used to it?” Her worries were soon lifted, and she discovered that all it requires is a bit of patience and preparation. She now gears-up with snacks, toys, and games that help make medical waiting rooms more entertaining, and she has also learned how to keep an arm free for the client while keeping her little ones in a front pack, stroller, or at hand-holding distance.

Volunteering is clearly a win-win-win situation for Sara, her family, and the clients of Volunteer Transportation. On an individual level, she speaks about gaining humility, lots of incredible knowledge about the area’s history (via stories that passengers share with her), and a better understanding/appreciation of aging. Her son and daughter acquire firsthand experience with helping others, and clients of the program find it enriching to spend time with amusing children who brighten up their days. Collectively, they make friends of all ages.

*Volunteer drivers of all walks of life are needed to provide local seniors with transportation to important medical appointments. Use your own vehicle and choose the weekdays, times, and areas in which you want to drive. We provide supplemental liability insurance and offer mileage reimbursement. For more information, visit http://www.seniorservices.org/transportation or contact Hilary: hilaryc@seniorservices.org or (206)748-7588. You can also read more stories like Sara’s on our blog: www.volunteertransportation.blogspot.com. If you have the “drive” to provide meaningful service and enjoy giving rides, this is the volunteer job for you!