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Chandler: NVC reeling after vehicle vandalism

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I am appealing for your help.

On Feb. 5, the yard that houses Northwest Valley Connect vehicles along with vehicles belonging to Transdev was broken into and vandalized. We lost the operations of two buses.

Buses used for emergency transport of disabled residents who may be low income attending to medical services, such as dialysis, or cancer treatment, or pharmacies because they don’t have access to another mode of transport.

You may recognize Northwest Valley Connect, NVC building that for six years is in Sun City and there has not been an occurrence like Friday night. Currently, NVC essential emergency bus transport is available each week to 70-plus vulnerable residents who may range from 65 to 102 years old, may be disabled and veterans without access to public transportation, such as Dial-a-Ride or they don’t have the financial means to afford Lyft or taxis.

Volunteers from your communities use personal vehicles or NVC buses and more ride requests are depending on NVC buses because of COVID-19 health and safety requirements.

Yes, NVC has insurance for the vehicles, and yes, an investigation is in process.

However, I am appealing to you on two levels: The first is an urgent need for assisted maintenance of two remaining buses. These vehicles must be safe and available to sustain the scheduled transport of our most vulnerable clients going to medical services.

The second level is an important security measure for our fleet. Because of the vandalism that occurred, I believe installation of a camera security system with bells and whistles that prevents entry to NVC yard is an important safeguard.

On behalf of those we serve, I am grateful for your continued support to aid so many in need. Please gift Northwest Valley Connect with your consideration to donate.

Kathryn Chandler
Surprise

Editor’s Note: Ms. Chandler is executive director of Surprise-based Northwest Valley Connect.

bus, vandalism, NVC