Posted: 12:31 PM Apr 27, 2012
Reporter: Alex Villarreal

Grimes County Senior Transportation Service In Need Of Help

It's a service that helps a great deal of senior citizens get to their weekly doctor appointments.

The problem is the transportation service provided through the Grimes County Health Resource Center is short on volunteers and functioning vehicles.

News 3 finds out how important this service to seniors living in the area...and what they'll do if they can't continue to operate.

This is Miss Hattie Conley.
She's been suffering from lower back pain for years...and has been taking pain medication for just as long.

The 56 year-old comes to rehab every week.
And Larry Cantu makes is possible.

Cantu said, "Sometimes, we forget the elderly and that's why I'm doing what I'm doing.

He volunteers to drive up to ten seniors a day to their appointments.

"I'm going to get there one day and hopefully, there'll be somebody...to help me when I'm at that age and time," said Cantu.

The need for rides in Grimes County continues to grow, but the health resource center is low on volunteers and reliable transportation.

Conley said, "It mostly helps with the hips and the thighs, but overall, it helps with connecting the back."

Transportation that's helping Miss Hattie's health.

"It feel as if it give you strength." said Conley. "I can stay up and get around longer."

Conley added, "It's just a big help. It's a blessing to me."

"If you don't have the materials to complete the job, or even start it, then, it's just like Ms. Hattie said; you do without," Cantu said.

If community members don't donate time and money, then seniors like Miss Hattie, will forgo crucial appointments, and stay home instead.

If you'd like to volunteer to drive or donate money to help the Grimes Resource Center buy a badly needed new van, you can call 936-870-4575.

They have raised $9,300 so far and will rely solely on private donations to raise enough money to buy a more reliable vehicle.

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