Program offers rides to those who can t drive
Staff reporter
When people call up to order FISH, it's not the kind that's eaten.
FISH (Friends I Should Help) was started in the 1980s by Sam Baerg who was the director of Hillsboro Senior Center.
In 1993, Marion Senior Center started the program and patterned it after the Hillsboro program with a few adjustments.
The primary focus of the program is to provide transportation within the city limits to those who cannot drive, typically the elderly.
"We're willing to take riders anywhere they need to go in town," said Connee Willis, former director of the Hillsboro center. "It didn't matter if it was to the vet or a store."
Drivers also pick up and deliver groceries and other items for residents.
In Hillsboro, the volunteer drivers are those who attend or are affiliated with the senior center.
Virginia Downing of Marion Senior Center said local churches assist with volunteers.
"Right now, there are three churches involved," she said, Valley United Methodist Church, Marion Christian Church, and Good News Christian Fellowship Church, that provide five drivers.
There are approximately 12 drivers who assist Hillsboro residents.
"The service isn't used as much as it used to be," said Eunice Matz of the Hillsboro center.
Downing agreed and said Marion had a shortage of drivers.
Both centers charge a dollar per trip which is used by the program.
Hillsboro residents can request the service from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and Friday by calling the center at (620) 947-2304 a day before or the morning the service is needed.
Marion residents can request the service by calling the day before at (620) 382-2942.
