NEWS FROM THE WILSON CENTER New Transportation Option for Seniors! The Wilson Ministry Center is pleased to announce the acquisition of a vehicle to be used for the Getting There Ride Share (GTRS) senior transportation program! The “nearly new” Dodge Grand Caravan was purchased through a generous gift from an anonymous donor who also assisted with arrangements to obtain the van from a local car agency. Funding to cover the cost of operating the vehicle for one year is being provided through a grant from The Dresher Foundation. We are grateful for this generous support. The primary purpose of the van is to provide supplemental transportation for area seniors through prearranged group rides. Groups of from two to six seniors can be taken to a destination of their choice such as the grocery store, Walmart or the Harford Mall. The van will also be used to transport seniors to the monthly Gad Abouts events held in Darlington or elsewhere. All passengers must be 60 years or older and registered in advance with the GTRS Office. There is no cost for group rides to qualified passengers although donations to the program are always welcome! In the near future, we plan to arrange set days each month when rides will be provided to pre-determined destinations. At this time, seniors can arrange for a group of their friends to go to a particular destination and then coordinate the day/time through the GTRS Office. Dublin, Darlington and the surrounding northern areas of the county have been designated by Harford County Government as “underserved” portions of the county. We believe that the new van operated through the GTRS program is a big step in the direction of the Wilson Center’s goal to help alleviate some of the isolation felt by our local senior residents. Can you help? We are seeking volunteer drivers who are available during the day who are willing to drive the van once or twice a month. Volunteer drivers do not need a commercial license or any other special training in order to qualify but they do need to register with the GTRS Office. Van drivers will also attend an orientation class that covers safe driving practices and familiarizes them with the special needs of our senior passengers. Please call the GTRS Office at 410-836-3005 if you would like more information about becoming a driver or passenger. Summer Camp Program in Darlington It’s not too early to start thinking about summer camp! For many years, the Wilson Center has offered a Summer Fun Camp program for area children in grades K – 8. The program takes place at the Center and runs for 9 weeks (start date depends on the last day of school). A variety of activities are provided for the children in a “family type” setting where they can enjoy themselves in a structured but relaxed atmosphere. In order to prepare for adequate staffing, please contact the Center if you are interested in having your children attend the camp program this summer. Early registration incentives will begin in April. Phone: 410-836-3555 or Email: [email protected]. Donate to Darlington! On the third Saturday of every month, a small group of dedicated volunteers gathers in the Grace Memorial Church Parish Hall to hand out free food to local residents in need. The Darlington Distribution has been in operation for four years and in that time, has seen the numbers of folks needing help double. Unfortunately, the food sources supplying the distribution have not kept up with the demand so we are reaching out to the community for help. The Darlington Distribution serves clients from the local area, which includes Darlington, Dublin, Street, Whiteford, Conowingo, Colora and portions of northern Aberdeen. Recipients are asked to provide information consistent with that required by other social service agencies in the county. The Wilson Ministry Center supports the distributions by seeking grant funding, coordinating donations and accessing resources. The Center will now serve as a collection point for donated non-perishable food items as well as cash donations. All donations are welcome! To coordinate dropping off donations or for more information on how you can help our neighbors in need, please call the Center at 410-836-3555. For monetary donations, please mail your check to the Wilson Ministry Center, 1024 Main Street, Darlington, MD 21034. A receipt will be mailed to you. Thank you! Marthea Proudfoot, Executive Director, Wilson Ministry Center (410) 836-3555
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 01:39:22 +0000
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