Can You Give a Lift?

Studio Blinn

Neighbor Rides of Chittenden County helps people who don’t drive stay connected with the community. AARP Vermont is helping to recruit volunteers to drive people to grocery stores, medical appointments and other engagements.

“More than 80 percent of suburban and rural Chittenden County seniors have limited transit access,” said David Reville, an AARP spokesman. “Vermont has the second-oldest state population in the country, and the challenge of providing mobility will continue to grow.”

In a survey of county residents age 65-plus with limited access to a vehicle, 69 percent said they delayed medical appointments, and 67 percent said they had difficulty visiting loved ones.

After passing a background check, volunteers create their own schedules and are reimbursed for mileage. For details, go to unitedwaycc.org/volunteer/neighbor-rides-2. To volunteer, email alyson@unitedwaycc.org or call 802-861-7833.