Mayor Jonathan Rothschild wants volunteers to help drive older adults and people with disabilities so that they can take care of errands like doctors' visits and grocery shopping.

The Mayor's Senior Task Force (a branch off the ELDER Alliance) says that, with about 16,000 people in need of these services, the only way to meet the demand is with more residents stepping up to donate some of their time. 

“Volunteer drivers can help older adults age with dignity and independence,” Rothschild said in a statement. “Daily, routine activities that we take for granted are vital to allowing individuals to live at home, regardless of age, illness or disability.”

There are a handful of local nonprofits, such as the ITN Greater Tucson, that provide door-to-door rides to residents 60 and up or with some sort of disability. The ITN is collaborating with Interfaith Community Services, Mobile Meals of Tucson and the Pima Council on Aging's Neighbors Care Alliance to recruit drivers. 

For more info, visit volunteer.unitedwaytucson.org or call 903-3977.