The Driver – Volunteer Newsletter – December 2025

by | Dec 27, 2025 | Featured, In the News, Volunteer Newsletters

Holiday Wishes

The Neighbor Ride staff wishes you the happiest of holidays. 

We reflect on the year and are so thankful you’ve been a part of it!

May your holidays be filled with peace and joy.

It's a Wrap! One Family's Story

We’re so pleased to show you another of the video interviews sharing how “Every Ride Has a Story,” with the community. We had a great conversation with clients Jane and Jim and their daughter, Kristin, about how Neighbor Ride is the missing piece in supporting their family. Neighbor Ride gives their daughter peace of mind, and allows Jane and Jim to make friends and attend their medical appointments.

Stay tuned for another installment soon, when their driver Emily joins the discussion.

Calendars are in but going fast!!

The Neighbor Ride Calendars are available in the office for pickup. We have a limited supply, so please call the office and we will reserve one for you.

Reminder: The 17th is Magnet Day

Mark your 2026 calendars for Magnet Days!

On the 17th of each month, we ask that all volunteers display their magnet on their car throughout the day. 

Our Inclement Weather Policy Is Your Inclement Weather Policy

If you are comfortable driving, make a second call to the passenger the day of the ride to confirm that they still want to go.

If you are not comfortable driving, please call the NR office (Emergency Line is available 24/7). The office will notify your client.

Neighbor Ride does NOT follow the Howard County School or Government cancellation policy, but if your ride destination is a school, library, or a government office, they will follow any delayed opening/cancellation. 

If the ride is to a 50+ Center, call the Inclement Weather/Emergency Status Line (410) 313-7777 for status updates regarding the Howard County 50+ Centers. 

If the ride is canceled, be sure to email NR and let us know, so we can take the ride out of the Ride Match system.

Welcome, New Volunteers!

John Hill
Tim Meier

Partner Events- Columbia Orchestra

A group of children and an adult walk toward a yellow school bus at a crosswalk on a sunny day.

While many jazz lovers instantly recognize the Isham Jones hit Woodchopper’s Ball, they don’t know that a band went along with it. Woody Herman took that band and created an ensemble that included some of the biggest names in jazz! 

January 30th, 2026 – 7:30 pm Wilde Lake Interfaith Center

Our Condolences

We are saddened by the passing of passenger:

Cheryl Kirtley

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.

The Latest Stats Are In

Check our our latest stats from November. We appreciate our volunteers for helping us be out there on the roads each and every day for our clients!

  • Ride requests filled: 933
  • Rides cancelled for no driver: 17
  • Unfilled ride request rate: 1.82%
  • Ride requests completed 784
  • Clients served: 253
  • Different volunteers providing a ride: 172

Fuel Our Future: Ways to Give

What makes Neighbor Ride special is the dedication of the individuals committed to our mission. So far this year, Neighbor Ride has received almost $88,000 in individual donations, 76% of our $115,000 goal.

A strong base of individual donors allows Neighbor Ride to focus on serving the community. According to Giving USA, individual giving accounted for approximately 66% of all charitable giving in 2024. 

Neighbor Ride is truly powered by the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. We’re so grateful for all your support!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

Andrea Bufka, Strategic Development Director (and Volunteer Driver)

Vehicle donations graphic

We Need Your Help

20 Cars for 20 Years! We accept all vehicles of any age or condition. Anyone can donate, no matter what state you live in!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Columbia Medical Practice logo
Edelman Financial Engines logo
Heritage Toyota Logo
Compass logo
BWFA logo
Apple Ford logo
TowerCares logo
Johns Hopkins Medical Center logo
MileOneCares logo
Community Foundation of Howard County logo
The Hutt Company logo
Lilian Bauder text