The Driver – Volunteer Newsletter January 2023

by | Jan 29, 2023 | Volunteer Newsletters

THANKS TO YOU WE HAVE A 5-STAR RATING!

Every 6 months we send a client satisfaction card to our clients. They are given the opportunity to give Neighbor Ride a star rating and provide comments. 235 cards were returned. Thanks to YOU for helping us retain our 5-star rating! Enjoy just a few of the amazing things that were said:

  • “It is the best thing that’s happened to me since I became a senior citizen!”
  • “Neighbor Ride drivers are always professional, detail-oriented, and dependable. They get me to appointments and offer a window to the world. A real lifesaver for disabled, low-income people.”
  • “My experience has been outstanding! The drivers are all very nice and considerate. I’m meeting some really interesting people too.”

MILEAGE REPORTS FOR TAX SEASON

A spreadsheet of volunteer miles can be generated from the driver Ride Match Portal following these steps:

  1. From the driver portal, click on Ride History
  2. Change the date range to 1/1/22-12/31/22
  3. Export the Excel file

Note: The mileage on the front page of the driver dashboard does not include total miles so use the total reflected on the spreadsheet.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND UPCOMING MEETING DATES

Thanks for all the drivers who have taken these Tuesday evening rides. The clients have all been so appreciative!! The schedule for the rest of the rides are as follows:

  • February 7, 2023
  • March 7, 2023
  • April 4, 2023
  • May 2, 2023
  • June 6, 2023

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER, THE COLUMBIA ORCHESTRA, FOR THIS SEASON’S FABULOUS PERFORMANCES!

  • January 27, 2023, 7:30pm – Columbia Jazz Band presents… Who is Oliver Nelson?
  • February 4, 2023, 7:30 pm – Brahms, Strauss, & Simon
  • March 18, 2022 at 7:30pm – Symphonic Pops
  • April 15, 2023 – Peter and the Wolf
  • May 20, 2023, 7:30 pm – Rhapsody in Blue

Details & Tickets

THANK YOU TO OUR RECENT CORPORATE CONTRIBUTORS:

In its 8th year as our Car Magnet Sponsor, Apple Ford Lincoln donated $6,000 that covers the cost of magnets and provides operational support.

Donated $1,000 with gratitude for the difference that we make in the community.

In its second year as Neighbor Ride’s Volunteer Program Sponsor, BWFA donated $5,000 that supports all aspects of volunteer recruitment, training, communication, and management.

Awarded a $7,500 grant that provides operational support focused on expanding our capacity to meet growing demand.

Made a $1,250 donation – matching contributions made by its employees.

The EWE Sprit Foundation made a $10,000 grant to Neighbor Ride that supports both our volunteer-driven and Community Connector wheelchair-accessible transportation programs.

Awarded a $7,500 grant that supports our food delivery and wheelchair-accessible service.

Donated $1,000 following a Charitable Donation Drawing based on volunteer hours logged by our driver, Amy Lechmann.

Awarded a $7,500 grant that allows us to subsidize the cost of rides for Veterans.

Through its Emergency Response Network, awarded a $2,500 grant that provided special support for Neighbor Ride’s female clients.

OUR BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR!

  • Date: Saturday, April 22nd
  • Time: Doors open at 6pm / Games begin at 7pm
  • Venue: FOP Lodge 69 (2832 Nine Mile Cir, Catonsville)
  • Tickets: $25 (for 20 games)

Purchase BINGO Tickets

Tino’s Italian Bistro will once again offer a variety of delicious dinner items for purchase at the event. Drinks and baked goods will also be sold.

Additional ways to support our fundraiser:

  • Be a Basket or Event Sponsor: Opportunities ranging from $125 to $2,500 are available. Please contact Colleen at ckonstanzer@neighborride.org if you or your business/employer would like to get involved.
  • Donate Wine or Spirits for Our Basket of Cheer: If you have bottles that you would like to donate, you can drop them off at the Neighbor Ride office.
  • Be a BINGO Volunteer: Sign-up to lend a hand with putting our baskets together or to have a blast volunteering at the event. Contact Colleen at ckonstanzer@neighborride.org to let her know how you would like to help.

Thank you to our current sponsors:

Howard County Office on Aging & Independence

Junkluggers of Baltimore

Kim Musser – State Farm Insurance

Lorien Harmony Hall

Residences at Vantage Point

Heart & Home Group of Compass Realty – Jo Rickard

Moyer and Sons Moving and Storage

Therapy in Motion | Specialty Pain Management Service

OBITUARIES

Our Heartfelt Condolences to the families of:

  • Passenger –  Barbara Geller
  • Passenger – Joan Stirling
  • Retired Volunteer – Bill Everhart
  • Retired Volunteer – Bill Kelly
  • Retired Volunteer – Frank Kelly

WELCOME NEW VOLUNTEERS

  • Heather Hollins
  • Mary Beth Graham

COVID-19 PRECAUTION REMINDERS

Neighbor Ride will continue to recommend that all drivers and clients continue to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.