Shirley Lavon and Minnie Rizzo, aka The Bobbsey Twins, do everything together ? except drive.
For that, the two 88-year-old Columbia women rely on Neighbor Ride, a nonprofit that provides low-cost transportation for elderly Howard County residents.
“It?s the only way we can get around,” Lavon said one recent morning during a trip to the Central Maryland Rehabilitation Center in Columbia.
Lavon?s car broke down last year, and without the volunteer drivers, the two women couldn?t take their thrice-weekly trip to exercise or occasional jaunts to the mall, she said.
“I love it,” Rizzo beamed from the back seat of volunteer Lorna Chesnutt?s car. “The people are just wonderful.”
The two have been riding with Neighbor Ride volunteers almost since the program started two years ago.
Lavon said the bus system doesn?t always go where she needs to go, and the two women love the companionship.
Last week marked the group?s 3,000th ride, said executive director Sue Thompson. Last month, the group provided 208 round trips, she said. Fees range from $6 for rides within the same ZIP code to $30 for trips to Baltimore City.
“For some, [public transportation] is very adequate, but for others who are older or frail or want companionship and comfort, this has been a blessing,” Thompson said.
Volunteer Pat Everhart said her passengers really like the company, and they tend to “talk all the time.”
“There are so many that live alone, and most are really elderly, but they miss driving and they miss young people and talking.” Everhart said.
Although Neighbor Ride hasn?t struggled for volunteers, who tend to be stay-at-home mothers and retired residents, the word continues to get out, Thompson said.
The group has about 95 volunteers registered to drive, about 70 of which work regularly, said Jessica Sleight, Neighbor Ride?s part-time volunteer coordinator.
Although about a dozen people showed up for the volunteer orientation this month, the organization continues to send out information to potential passengers, she said.
“We can meet the demand, but the demand continues to grow,” Thompson said. “It?s imperative that we get drivers before we get passengers.”
AT A GLANCE
Criteria for volunteers
» Volunteer drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid Maryland drivers license and a clean driving record.
» Neighbor Ride runs criminal record and driving record checks on volunteers.
» Neighbor Ride also accepts donations to the Good Neighbor Fund, which provides financial assistance to qualifying seniors for rides.
» For volunteer information, call 410-884-RIDE or visit www.neighborride.org.
