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County volunteer transport program seeks drivers to expand service beyond Sierra Vista
Summary
Volunteer Interfaith Caregiver Program (VCAP) in Sierra Vista provides donation-based rides for residents who are 60 or medically disabled and is actively recruiting volunteer drivers to extend service into outlying Cochise County communities.
Kim Gill, director of Volunteer Interfaith Caregiver Program (VCAP), described the nonprofit's transportation service on the radio and said the group needs more volunteer drivers to reach outer parts of Cochise County.
"Currently, I looked this morning, we have 67 registered volunteers. On any given month, I have between 35 and 40 active volunteers who are driving folks all over the place," Gill said. She noted VCAP provides donation-only rides for people 60 and older or those who are medically disabled, helping clients get to medical appointments and grocery shopping; volunteers use their own vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement.
Gill said the organization has limited coverage in several towns and is seeking volunteers in Bisbee, Douglas, Tombstone and Benson. She invited residents to call the VCAP office to register as a volunteer or as a client: (520) 459-8146. Gill described a screening and orientation process for volunteers and said volunteers generally are retirees who give time and vehicles to help neighbors.
VCAP has operated countywide from a Sierra Vista base for more than 30 years, Gill said, and she has been with the program eight years and director for five. She said expanding volunteer recruitment is essential to continue providing no-cost rides as volunteers themselves age into client status.
