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GRAFTON, Mass. - The van that taxis around the elderly in Grafton is rusty, leaks water and the handicap lift is broken.
It's not the reliable transportation it once was, but it still shuttles seniors to medical and therapy appointments, shopping destinations and other places to help those who no longer drive. But an advocate for the seniors said it is time for a new van.
"These problems are preventing the van from fully completing its mission of providing the much-needed transportation for our seniors," Rita Cohen, president of Friends of the Grafton Elders, or FOGE, said in a statement.
In December, her organization launched a fundraiser. It is working to raise $60,000 to buy a new van but have raised only $5,000 so far. Cohen said she will continue the fundraiser indefinitely until it hits the goal.
Seniors rely on FOGE to help them make ends meet and to improve their quality of life.
The group has funded or partially funded senior center programs such as exercise classes, computer labs, heating fuel assistance and transportation assistance. FOGE has also helped seniors in housing crises and other emergency situations.
The organization, a 501(c)(3) charity, is asking for tax-deductible donations of any size payable to FOGE. For more information, visit its website or click on the attachment.
Attached: Information on donating for new senior center bus. (foge_gert_fundraising_press_release_photo_3.pdf)
Comments (4)
The town buys many different kinds of vehicles for our town departments. I don't understand why the senior bus is any different?
sell advertising on the van.
Have you tried holding eBay Auctions to try and raise money for this purpose,, Auction off different services from local businesses or restaurants. or even some things that the seniors themselves might want to auction off.
Just saying, some of these seniors have things that collectors would love and that they might be happy knowing that they helped promote this service.
Just saying,, there is money in some of the strangest places.
Also, you might want to check enterprise rent a car and others as they sell their vehicles at a much lower price than new and they come with a great warranty.
Just saying.