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WESTPORT, Conn. ITNCoastalCT Inc. is one of 500 finalists in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program, which will award vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public.
Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program showcases five nonprofit organizations each day for 100 days on Toyota's Facebook page, facebook.com/toyota. Visitors to the page can vote once a day for the organization that they feel is most deserving of a new Toyota vehicle. Westport-based organization, ITNCoastalCT will be one of the five organizations highlighted for voting on Friday.
Area residents are encouraged to support ITNCoastalCT and its quest for a new Toyota Prius. If ITNCoastalCT receives the most votes and is awarded the vehicle, it will be used to help deliver rides to seniors 60 and older and visually impaired adults.
ITNCoastalCT Inc. is a transportation service offered in Easton, Fairfield, Weston, Westport, Wilton and Norwalk. It helps adults 60 and older and the visually impaired to remain in their homes with independence, retain their mobility and connection to the community, and to have a lifelong transportation plan while providing safe roads for everyone. Rides are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the service area with no limits on ride purpose. There is a Road Scholarship program for low-income riders. For more information on ITNCoastalCT visit www.itncoastalct.org.
ITNCoastalCT started operations in November because of a need outlined by Westport Social Services for safe transportation for seniors. It delivers rides any time of the day on every day of the year for any purpose through a combination of volunteer and paid drivers.
Ruth Rubin of Norwalk was the 500th ride, delivered by volunteer Julie Shapiro of Westport. Having volunteers allows the group to deliver rides for about half of the true cost of that ride. Why do the drivers volunteer? Shapiro says, "Driving for ITN has been more beneficial to me than it has been to my riders. I have met wonderful seniors who have enriched my life with stories from the past, personal thoughts and wisdom and an unbelievable amount of appreciation. I always find myself anticipating conversations with these new treasured acquaintances who love the independence of a 'lift' from someone who cares."
The group is looking for drivers in all six towns who want to help their neighbors get where they're going safely. Volunteer drivers can drive as little as three hours a month or as much as they want. They accrue miles that they can then save for themselves or a family member, donate to a member-rider or donate into the low income Road Scholarship program.
Have you voted yet for ITNCoastalCT?
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