Northwest Valley Connect is in need of volunteers to help keep its program of transportation going for northwest Valley residents.

The need for additional volunteers is especially felt between April and November when winter visitors return to their summer homes.

“We provide more than 1,000 rides per month at no charge to the seniors 65 and older, and veterans who cannot drive in Sun City, Sun City West, The Grand, Surprise, Youngtown and parts of Peoria,” explained Gail Christianer, NVC volunteer coordinator. “In the spring and summer, we need drivers to replace the transport heroes who return home.”

Volunteers can serve as a driver for a specific person; a driver on a schedule they select, four hours per week or multiple days, seasonal drivers welcome; or a ride facilitator to help clients request rides

Volunteers can drive their own vehicle or drive one of NVC’s wheelchair assist vehicles. Partial mileage reimbursement is offered to volunteers who drive their own vehicles.

Call Christianer at 623-282-9300 or email GChristianer@northwestvalleyconnect.org to explore volunteer opportunities.

There is also a paid driver opening starting at $14 per hour. Contact Steve Royer at 623-282-9300 or by email at sroyer@northwestvalleyconnect.org.

Editor’s Note: We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.