{"id":9414,"date":"2019-05-21T13:27:02","date_gmt":"2019-05-21T17:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hagarty-on-wine.com\/OnWineBlog\/?p=9414"},"modified":"2019-05-21T13:27:02","modified_gmt":"2019-05-21T17:27:02","slug":"the-ride-for-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.hagarty-on-wine.com\/OnWineBlog\/the-ride-for-life\/","title":{"rendered":"The ride for life"},"content":{"rendered":"

VolTran making medical appointments an on-time experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Making a doctor or dentist appointment can be a bothersome task. Yes, we know we need to go but it often conflicts with other demands on our schedule.<\/p>\n

But consider an elderly or disabled person struggling to make such an appointment then trying to figure out how they are actually going to get there. It can be stressful.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not only medical practitioners who provide the gift of life, there is a cadre of community volunteers who are rendering emotional and physical support to those in need.<\/p>\n

And what\u2019s in their \u201cmedical bag\u201d? Smiles and wheels.<\/p>\n

Listen to how one of the volunteers describes her duties: \u201cI am very passionate about VolTran. I have met the most wonderful people from all walks of life. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I will continue to drive until I no longer can.\u201d<\/p>\n

This volunteer, by the way, is also the President of the Board of Directors for VolTran. From the president\u2019s seat to the driver\u2019s seat she\u2019s got it covered.<\/p>\n

Meet Linda Stouffer. Stouffer retired from the Department of Defense in 2007 where her specialties included Human Resources, Training & Development, and Recruiting.<\/p>\n

Today her professional skills have been \u201cemployed\u201d to not only head the nonprofit organization but also meet the frontline needs of the elderly and disabled as they seek to get from their homes to appointments and errands.<\/p>\n

All without compensation.<\/p>\n

Behind the scene
\n<\/strong>Recognizing the importance of social interaction VolTran provides not only rides to medical appointments but also to grocery stores, pharmacies, hair salons and more.<\/p>\n

The most valued possession we have is time. It is also our most valued gift.<\/p>\n

By now you\u2019ve guessed the organization\u2019s name springs from the words Volunteer Transportation.<\/p>\n

As committed as Stouffer is, she couldn\u2019t accomplish much if the organization she leads wasn\u2019t run with Swiss watch efficiency. Twenty-six volunteers, all driving their own vehicles and paying for their gas, are the pulse of the service.<\/p>\n

Its mission is to provide transportation for the elderly, disabled, and others in need for medical appointments and important errands. Its service turf includes Fauquier, Rappahannock, and northern Culpeper County.<\/p>\n

Service hours are Monday\u00a0through\u00a0Friday, 9 a.m. to\u00a03 p.m. and closed on holidays. To be eligible for the service residents must be:<\/p>\n