The Brookfield Township Senior Citizens Van has scaled back the number of days a week it operates because of a lack of drivers and is on the verge of cutting service even more.
A couple of drivers who spend their winters in Florida will be gone from December through February, said Brookfield Township Office Coordinator Tabatha Dickson.
“We are in dire need of volunteer drivers,” she said.
The van takes seniors – and younger riders who can’t drive because of medical issues – to doctors’ appointments, stores and beauty parlors around town and neighboring communities. The van will travel as far as Warren and Niles for medical appointments, and Youngstown to reach the Veterans Administration clinic.
“It’s a service that a number of people in the township depend on,” said Trustee Dion Magestro.” It’s a wonderful service for our seniors and people who don’t have the facilities to drive around, to get to doctors or what have you. Anybody that can volunteer for one day a week, you would just make a big difference in the lives of a lot of people.”
The van used to run from 8 a.m. to noon five days a week but is now down to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Dickson said.
Riders pay between $3 and $7 a trip.
Potential drivers must pass a background check and have a good driving record. To apply, call Dickson between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at 330-448-4500.
