Penquis Transportation recognizes drivers for 2016 National Volunteer Week
Penquis, a social services agency serving Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties, celebrated National Volunteer Week April 10-16. The week was established in 1974 by Points of Light, a national volunteerism and service organization founded by President George H. W. Bush, and has grown exponentially. It has been endorsed by all U.S. presidents since, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week.
Photo courtesy of Penquis
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS — Cathy and Larry Johnson of Sebec have been volunteer drivers for Penquis Transportation for over 15 years.
Every year, Penquis Transportation highlights the efforts of over 150 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, and held its annual volunteer banquet on April 15. Presidential and gubernatorial awards were presented, as well as a Proclamation from the City of Bangor to recognize the services that drivers give all year long to Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Local businesses in both counties contributed prizes for the banquet to show appreciation for the help that the drivers give.
Penquis has been working for 49 years to pave the way to a better future for the people who live in Maine. The Penquis Transportation Brokerage and Lynx Mobility Services departments have changed the way that people have access to reliable transportation. The trustworthy and dependable system is groundbreaking because it relies on volunteers to keep the program moving. Over 150 volunteers provide rides for thousands of individuals in the region, enabling them to travel all over the state for medical appointments, surgeries, social service appointments and life-saving dialysis. Volunteers drive seven days a week, including holidays, and they’ve been doing this since 1984.
Kara Hay, CEO of Penquis, said, “Volunteers are the face of our agency, and we rely on them to represent to support a very important part of our mission, which is to provide high quality and reliable transportation to thousands of people each year. Every day I am amazed by their dedication and commitment to supporting the basic needs of community members without transportation. My favorite quote is, ‘No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.’ I want to thank the drivers so much for their service.”
Penquis is always looking for the support of more volunteers. For more information or to apply, visit www.penquis.org, call 973-3500 or 1-800-215-4942.