Small World Story: Volunteer Driver Reconnects with Long-term Family Friends

Lee volunteered for Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation program six months ago after searching for a meaningful way to give back to others in his Auburn community once he’d retired. Serving as a volunteer driver was a great fit for him, as he’d spent years and years driving all over town installing carpets. He enjoyed driving and knew that he could provide a very needed and appreciated service to local seniors. He was eager to help others and meet interesting people along the way.

When Lee recently took Marie and Roy Petersen to an eye doctor appointment, he certainly wasn’t meeting them for the first time! Marie and Roy, both 93, have known Lee and his family for many decades, and they’d often crossed paths in Auburn throughout the course of Lee’s life. Marie had frequently volunteered for various community programs with Lee’s mother, Elaine, and Lee had carpeted the Petersen’s home and cabin for over thirty years prior to his retirement. Marie was happy to see a familiar face and commented, “It was so nice to see him again!”

Lee, Marie and Roy had a lot to talk about. They all know a lot of local history. Lee was born and raised in Auburn; Marie moved to Auburn in 1943; and Roy was born in Algona (Auburn’s neighbor) in 1921. Community involvement is important to all of them. Although they’ve seen the area change a great deal over the years, their reconnection demonstrates that Auburn still can have that “small town” feel at times.

The Volunteer Transportation program is full of such serendipitous reunions, and volunteers and clients often discover many commonalities. This inspires a possible new tagline for the program: See what worlds collide during a ride!

*More volunteer drivers are needed throughout King County. Find out more by visiting our website or calling Hilary at (206)748-7588. Like Lee, you can meet and reconnect with many inspiring seniors!