What does a volunteer driver do? They provide our clients with free, accompanied, roundtrip, rides to medical appointments and grocery stores.
Who are TSCOR’s clients? They are seniors 60 and older; they are mobile and may have canes or walkers, but don’t use wheelchairs; they are wonderful people who live independently, but for various reasons no longer drive.
How does volunteer driving work? Use our online scheduling system and choose who, when, where and how often to drive. Pick up the client from their home, drive them to their appointment, stay nearby until they’re finished, and then drive them home again.
Will I enjoy driving? Yes! Driving is enjoyable for drivers and clients – you’re guaranteed to learn something new about your passenger and friendships are often forged. Volunteers say they get more out of driving than the clients do, and clients tell us what a wonderful difference drivers make in their lives.
Four Steps to become a driver:
“Driving for The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond has been the easiest and among the most rewarding of my volunteer experiences.”
Bill G., driver
Hear more from our drivers…
“The Shepherd’s Center offers a unique opportunity to give something back to the community. The people are so appreciative and so dependent on our volunteers. Please consider becoming a volunteer driver. You’ll be glad you did.” – Bob C., driver
“What a great feeling it is to know that I have helped someone in need. I feel happy, fulfilled, even energized. I have met wonderful people who are so very thankful that I have given them a ride. I have learned about them and their lives during our conversations to and from an appointment. Volunteering as a driver is a very positive experience and I look forward to the call letting me know I can help again.” – Miles J., driver
“I love driving for TSCOR. The people I drive are so lovely and they appreciate me so much that I just want to do more for each of them.” – Ginny M., driver
“Driving for The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond has been the easiest and among the most rewarding of my volunteer experiences. My schedule is flexible. I drive about once a week and set my own hours. Usually a trip, consisting of driving back and forth and waiting in the doctor’s office, takes an average of two or three hours. I like to read, so I occupy myself with a good book while I’m waiting. Meeting and chatting with the people I drive has been the most vital part of my experience. I’ve driven widows whose husbands were veterans or farmers, as well as retired executives, researchers, nurses and secretaries. Our conversations – we always talk as we drive – have ranged from their travels to their professional lives to where they have lived. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know close to a hundred people, including a lady who emigrated from Italy as a young woman to marry an American fellow; a lady recovering from brain surgery; and a lady who emigrated from Holland after WWII. As a little girl of twelve, she escaped from the Germans by hiding in a canal for two weeks, and then was hidden by the Dutch resistance for two years. My driving for The Shepherd’s Center has brought me close, at least for a few brief moments, to some truly fascinating people.” – Bill G., driver
The Shepherd's Center Of Richmond 