KATY – Getting around the suburbs can be a challenge for many seniors citizens who may have difficulty driving, may not have a car or family to rely on. A Katy area ride-sharing service said it's in need of more volunteers to help cater to the elderly community.
Katy Area Ride Service (KARS) is a nonprofit organization that provides rides for people over 65-years-old. Pre-screened volunteers in the community drive clients around to their doctors, clinics , grocery shopping, social activities and other errands they may need.
"There's a lot of people in the area who don't have access or can't afford to pay taxis, which are expensive or have family members that are tied up in their day and can't take their seniors where their seniors need to go," explained Mary Bergstrom who is a volunteer driver.
There service give people like 88-year-old Marjorie Gioia a sense of independence. She uses a walker and depends on the service to get around.
"Taxis and Uber they were concerned, because neither one would come to the door," explained Gioia, who said she likes KARS because the drivers help her get in the car.
Volunteers use their own cars and gas to take the seniors around. Drivers get to pick what day and time of day they would like to volunteer. Most shifts take one to two hours and a ride does not exceed 15 miles one way.
Drivers must have a clean driving record, proof of insurance, pass a background check and over the age of 21.
For more information call KARS at 832-773-8645 or email at info@karskaty.org