For the Reporter

Fern Malavaceo gets around with a little help from her friends.

Forty years ago, she decided that driving wasn’t for her. It caused her great anxiety, especially after she’d had multiple, harrowing experiences behind the wheel on freeways in the rain. She relied on her kids to take her to appointments when they could, but she often felt stuck when they were unavailable.

She then registered for Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation three years ago.

“The program is such a blessing,” said the 71-year-old Auburn woman. “The drivers are awesome and so considerate. They’re like family members to me.”

Since 1975, Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation drivers have accumulated “miles and miles” of positive impact in Auburn.

Using their own vehicles, volunteers pick seniors up, take them to their doctors and drive them home again – offering valuable transportation with a personal touch.

Clients of the program often refer to them as their “heroes,” “guardian angels” or “life-savers.”

In a tangible way, volunteer drivers make a difference in the lives of vulnerable members of our community.

Volunteer Transportation faces the grim reality that it cannot serve all Auburn seniors in need of rides to important medical care. More volunteer drivers are needed.

If you have a reliable vehicle, a clean driving record and some weekday availability, this is the role for you.

Visit www.volunteertransportation.blogspot.com, contact Hilary at 206-748-7588 or hilaryc@seniorservices.org to find out more, or fill out an online volunteer driver application (www.seniorservices.org/transportation) to sign up.