Greenwich Red Cross Needs Volunteer Drivers

The American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter in Greenwich is in need of transportation service drivers in the Greenwich community. 

The Medical Transportation Services provides free transportation for Greenwich residents who, with no other means, would be unable to get to health care and medical appointments. Volunteer drivers are an essential participant in the health and well being of Greenwich community members. Being a volunteer driver involves one 4½-hour shift one day a week.

Jim Santora, a Greenwich resident and Transportation Services driver, said about the program, “It’s a vital service to the community and we need people to drive or some people might be left out in the cold. They won’t be able to get to the medical appointments they need.”

The Transportation Service is a free, confidential program designed to transport residents to and from health care services, doctor appointments, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy and other medical facilities. The American Red Cross makes every effort to ensure the safety of drivers and clients by providing free Red Cross First-Aid/CPR training to all volunteers.

The bad-weather winter months are on the horizon, which make volunteer drivers even more necessary for those who don’t have the means to get to appointments any other way. “Driving can be a challenge, but you learn some great things about the Greenwich community along the way,” said Santora.

Drivers should be willing to work well with others, have a valid driver’s license and be willing to volunteer at least one day per week. Transportation Services operates Monday through Friday, (no weekends) with two shift options: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Scheduling is flexible to each volunteer’s personal schedule.

“I think it is a good opportunity to be able to give back to the community with some level of expertise and satisfaction to people who are obviously in need of that. And I think it is a valuable opportunity for anybody who has time to contribute and they can feel an immediate benefit,” said John Craine, another longtime Greenwich volunteer driver.

To volunteer, contact Andrew Sindell at (203) 869-8444 ext. 122 or email Andrew.Sindell@redcross.org.