Local transportation service for the elderly receives car donations

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - A volunteer-assisted transportation service for the elderly in Jackson received a big donation today.

This morning AARP and Toyota partnered together to donate a few cars to the MyRide West Tennessee in an effort to provide more rides to the elderly in our community.

“The day we received an email saying we were getting three cars. We were running through the hallways and hollering and screaming, very excited that we were going to have this opportunity to impact the community,” said Keita Cole, the Director of MyRide West Tennessee.

Today was filled with excitement for the volunteer-assisted transportation service, MyRide West Tennessee.

This neighbor helping neighbor service received two Toyota Corollas and one Rav-4 to aid in transportation services.

“As we have always been an automotive company for many years, we wanted to change our perspective for people to realize that not only are we an automotive company, we really are a mobility company. This MyRide West Tennessee is a great way to help mobility in our community. So, we are really glad to be a part of it and to this donation of three vehicles,” said Jason Bates, the Senior Manager of Human Resources, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee.

AARP has been partnering with Toyota for 10 years to better serve the community.

“We have also been so supportive of volunteer-assisted transportation programs. We know from polling our most 38 million members that they want to stay home and they want to stay in their community and be active as long as they possibly can. So, we want to do anything to help them do that in a safe way,” said Rebecca Kelly, the State Director at AARP Tennessee.

A rider who uses the service was very thankful for the program.

“It has been such a lifesaver. The drivers are so courteous, they are professional. They are friendly. I am so appreciative. I really am, this was a Godsend,” said Janie Lewis, a rider with MyRide TN.

To get involved as a driver or rider you can visit the MyRide TN website.