Write a commentWhile the hours of Giving Tuesday are winding down, the Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation reminds you there's still time to make a Giving Tuesday donation and help the VTC change lives for people in the North Country.
Whether it's helping the VTC to transport someone to life-saving a chemotherapy treatment or a crucial dialysis appointment, the VTC is there. If it's transporting someone to a vital appointment with their primary care provider, the VTC is there. If it's connecting those in need with food sources — you guessed it — the VTC is there.
Our dedicated volunteer drivers truly believe in our mission and we hope you will, too.
According to the USDA, in the United States, more than 34 million people — 9 million of which are children — are food insecure. Rising food costs, paired with the effects of the pandemic, have made the situation worse.
Our organization raises funds to make these trips possible — free of charge — to those in need. For every dollar we raise, we can provide 2 miles of transportation. That might not sound like much but, when harnessing the power of collective giving from generous individuals like you, we can truly go far.
How far?
In 2021, VTC volunteer drivers provided 26,711 charitable trips over 1,073,435 miles in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 470,002 helped those in Jefferson County, 151,954 in Lewis County, and 451,479 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $477,679 in mileage reimbursement for our volunteers to make these trips possible.
That's where you come in.
Donations of any size are greatly appreciated! Simply click the secure link above or go to www.volunteertransportationcenter.org/donate, click on the link to give and make your gift.
Want more information? Call VTC Foundation Director Jeremiah S. Papineau at 315-303-2590 or send an email to foundation@volunteertransportation.org.
ABOUT GIVING TUESDAY
According to www.GivingTuesday.org, Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Giving Tuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.
Giving Tuesday’s global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.
For more information Giving Tuesday, visit www.GivingTuesday.org.
# # # ABOUT THE VTC
The Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. (VTC), established in 1991, drives thousands of miles each year assisting community members in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties and beyond. Over the last 30 years, this essential non-profit organization has provided rides to health care appointments, food sources and other critical needs destinations for residents.
In 2021, our volunteer drivers provided 26,711 charitable trips over 1,073,435 miles in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 470,002 helped those in Jefferson County, 151,954 in Lewis County, and 451,479 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $477,679 in mileage reimbursement for our volunteers.
The staff, Board of Directors and volunteer drivers look forward to a time when transportation to community activities and services is accessible to all North Country residents regardless of economic or specialized needs. But for now the mission drives on — striving to provide transportation to health, wellness and critical needs destinations utilizing volunteers and mobility management for anyone who has barriers to transportation.
For more information about how you can help the Volunteer Transportation Center, about its upcoming events, or to become a volunteer driver, contact the agency in Jefferson and Lewis Counties at 315-788-0422, in St. Lawrence County at 315-714-2034, in Oswego County at 315-644-6944, or Western New York at 585-250-5030. Volunteers drive their own cars, set their own hours and receive mileage reimbursement but, more importantly, make a difference in the community. To learn more, visit www.volunteertransportationcenter.org.
