Post Falls center acquires van to offer rides to seniors in need

POST FALLS — Post Falls seniors who need a lift to and from the senior center will soon be able to get one via a courtesy van.

"Starting Monday, curb to curb service will be offered," said Alison McArthur, the center's executive director. "They can come for activities, then be taken back home."

Donations will be accepted for the rides, which will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"We get calls all the time from people saying that they'd love to come to the center, but they don't drive," McArthur said.

The 2003 Mazda MPV, which seats seven including the driver, has 50,000 miles. The senior center spent $1,500 on the van, but the rest of the vehicle — valued at $5,000 — was donated by an anonymous resident.

Frank Newland, who is retired and a veteran, has volunteered to be the driver. The senior center also received a grant through the Area Agency on Aging to pay for gas, insurance and maintenance of the van. The center is also selling sponsorships that are logos on the van for $300 a year.

McArthur said when Citylink eliminated its stop near the senior center on Third Avenue two years ago, that added to the need for transporting seniors to and from the center. Affordable transportation for seniors in general is demand because many struggle to make ends meet, she said.

"We got many seniors who have to call a taxi to go to a doctor's appointment," she said. "The need is only going to increase more and more."

The Sandpoint Senior Center's membership increased when it offered van service to seniors in need, McArthur said.

She said more seniors are seeking reasonably-priced meals due to high grocery costs and therefore the demand to have lunch at senior centers and transportation is increasing.

To schedule, call 773-9582.