KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee has a volunteer program to provide rides for seniors and people with disabilities, making sure they get wherever they need to be. It's available to anybody who needs assistance to travel safely and is a Knox County resident.
Welch says the Volunteer Assisted Transportation program has been around for 15 years, and riders are able to go to almost any destination. A one-way ride costs $3, roundtrip costs $6, and it varies if you need a ride to another county. Drivers are also able to make multiple stops, at no extra cost.
She says about 30 drivers volunteer, providing up to 300 rides a month. Daily, it's up to around 20 rides.
"It provides one-on-one transportation to take folks to wherever they need to go, whether it be a medical appointment, the grocery store, the pharmacy, the bank, the beauty shop," said Welch.
Drivers have to meet certain requirements, including being at least 21 years old and having a clean driving record.
"They would need to really help people because some people, that's just not what they like to do," said Welch. "It's not their forte to drive. But enjoy driving, enjoy helping folks have a good driving record and be able to volunteer, you know, maybe once a week, once a month, and they can volunteer as much as they want."
Sandy McKelvy says she's been a driver for 14 years. She said she volunteers, but she also works part-time for the program.
"I do it because I enjoy being with people," said McKelvy. "And I think it's just a great program. We take individuals, like we did today with a hair appointment, and also their grocery shops, and medical appointments, which are very beneficial to them."
She said it's beneficial for both riders and drivers.
"I mean, it's an awesome feeling," said McKelvy. "And they give so much more back to me than I give to them. I mean, just hear it in their stories. You know, whether it be that they've worked throughout their time, or maybe just they did volunteer positions, maybe back several years ago. "
Mildred Moon, a frequent rider, said she likes the rides because they're cheaper than having a neighbor take her somewhere.
"It keeps from being stressful," said Moon. "You know, have somebody come in and they're always on time. And then I don't have to pay too much, you know, to ride."
She said her Friday ride was to the hair salon to get her hair dyed red, ahead of her 97th birthday next week.
"I wanted to get color on my gray hair, so I look ten years younger," said Moon.
Right now, Welch says there's a need for more drivers — especially during warmed months. She
"We have some other various situations where, maybe they have family members that are ill that they're having to care for. So, they've had to step away from volunteering. So yes, there's a very much need for volunteers for this service. And we're really in need of volunteers at this time," she said.
Moon said other people who qualify for rides should take advantage.
"If you need transportation, you can always depend on them," said Moon.
And Welch agrees. She said it can help make sure seniors stay in their homes longer because they're able to care for themselves while also getting to medical appointments and getting groceries. With the rides, seniors can also get time to be social.
"It is so important to have this in the service for these individuals because it helps them maintain their independence," said Welch.
In addition to needing more drivers, the program is also accepting applications for new riders.
Drivers drive VAT fleet cars. There are 21 vehicles including sedans, and eight wheelchair-accessible minivans.