A chance to help transportation needs

Now that we have stimulated the local economy with holiday spending, we can look to other ways to boost our happiness. One of the most satisfying ways is to help others.

Sussex County's population includes a high proportion of seniors. As more retirees move here, that proportion will only increase. And as that group ages, transportation will increasingly become a problem and a priority.

A recent article in the Cape Gazette took an in-depth look at the issue of when older drivers should give up driving - for their own safety and the safety of others on our highways. But that raises the big issue of how seniors who can't drive will get to appointments, buy groceries and visit friends.

ITN Southern Delaware, a nonprofit organization, launched a ride-sharing program two years back to help seniors who can no longer drive. Like Uber, riders pay no money at the time of their rides and pay no tips to the drivers. Payment is made separately through the ITN office located at the Milton CHEER Center. Trained volunteers earn transportation credits for the driving they do. Thousands of rides have already been provided.

Members pay $35 per year for individuals and $60 for families. They then qualify for rides 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cost: $2.50 for the pickup, $1.25 per mile.

Those dollars add up, especially for longer trips. But overall, it's less expensive than maintaining a vehicle and associated costs. And, how do you put a price tag on not having to burden family or friends to maintain transportation independence?

Still, that expense is more than many living on Social Security can handle. For them, ITN Southern Delaware needs our help. Make yourself feel good at the start of this year by writing a check to help the organization provide for others. ITN is providing a much-needed service, not depending on the government. Mail checks to ITN Southern Delaware, 24855 Broadkill Road, Milton, DE 19968.

If 100 of us dug deep and sent checks for $200 we would quickly meet the $20,000 seed money target ITN needs for a support program to help the most needy.