Drivers for seniors needed

A non-profit agency is short on volunteers to drive senior citizens to medical appointments.

A countywide, non-profit agency is short on volunteers to drive senior citizens to medical appointments.

Senior Services’ transportation program “urgently” needs more drivers, said Melissa R. Tribelhorn, coordinator of volunteer recruitment for the agency. She added that due to the shortage of volunteers, “every week our program turns away 10, 15 or 20 seniors who call us for help.”

Volunteers use their own vehicles but are reimbursed for mileage and any parking costs. They also are offered supplemental liability insurance and flexible schedules.

Prospective volunteers can call (206) 748-7588 or 1-800-282-5815 for additional information, or apply online at www.seniorservices.org.

Senior Services provides services throughout King County. Its volunteers are assisted by approximately 240 employees of the agency. United Way provides half of the agency’s $15 million annual budget, with the other half coming from taxpayer-based sources via federal, state, city and county governments.