Wednesday, Jul. 01, 2009
CARS Volunteers Give Seniors a Lift
By Nicholas Sakelaris
Staff Writer
As a volunteer at Baylor Regional Medical Center in Grapevine, Dick McCauley sees too many cases where seniors put off medical appointments.
"I never, ever want to hear about a person who passes up a check-up or is ill because they don’t have the means to get there," said McCauley, a Caring Heart volunteer.
That’s why McCauley got involved with Call A Ride of Southlake (CARS), a nonprofit group of volunteers who shuttle seniors to medical appointments, rehab centers and social activities.
McCauley, chairman of the CARS board of directors, said this is about "being a good human being."
The group is always in need of more volunteers who would be willing to drive seniors where they need to go.
Soheila Phelps, office manager for CARS, said the more volunteers they have, the more flexible they can be with the schedule.
"They can do as little or as much as they want," Phelps said. "It’s based on availability."
Phelps said the gratitude from riders makes it more than worth it for the volunteers.
"It’s a rewarding feeling. The simple thank that they give you is heartfelt," Phelps said.
The city sponsors the program annually so only Southlake residents can utilize the program. The group has its own van that can be used to transport seniors in wheelchairs.
The group limits trips to a 25-mile radius outside of Southlake, she said.
"That would pretty much cover a trip to the Fort Worth and Dallas area," Phelps said.
CARS provides seniors with independence and mobility not just for doctor appointments, but social activities at the Southlake Senior Center and even hair appointments.
"Older people need to get out of the house," McCauley said. "The mental stimulation is worth quite a lot."
For more information, or to volunteer, call 817 798-4022 or e-mail callaride@hotmail.com.
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