STARS seeks ride sponsorships

Sisters Transportation and RideShare (STARS) announced its ride sponsorship “drive” is launching on Giving Tuesday, December 3, and will run through December 31.

STARS is a volunteer ride share program that provides Sisters Country residents with free non-emergency medical rides to Sisters, Bend, and Redmond. STARS “riders” are unable to drive themselves or afford private ride services, and many say, without the nonprofit, they would need to cancel their medical visits.

According to Rennie Morrell, STARS’ Executive Director, “The demand for rides increased by 33 percent in the last year alone. This really illustrates people’s growing reliance on STARS and, by extension, our need for the community’s support.”

To help meet that need, STARS month-long ride-sponsorship program will ask residents if they would like to volunteer or contribute financially. As Morrell explains, “Giving Tuesday is a wonderful opportunity to elevate the visibility of nonprofits across the country. But, it’s really a one-day event focused on one-time financial contributions. While Giving Tuesday marks the start of our ‘drive,’ we hope to create sustainable bonds with individuals and companies who will sponsor rides on an ongoing basis or volunteer as drivers.”

Each STARS ride costs an average of $50, which covers insurance, mileage reimbursement for the driver, and fuel costs. Through this year-end “drive”, STARS’ goal is to raise $5,000 to fund 100 rides. Donors are invited to visit https://www.starsride.org/sponsor-a-ride to designate the number of rides they would like to sponsor. Every sponsored ride is tax deductible and allows STARS to more effectively plan for and meet the community’s needs.

While financial contributions are STARS’ fuel, volunteer drivers are in demand because they help make the program go. STARS driver Bob Norin says, “People are so grateful to have the rides and it gives me so much satisfaction. It’s my opportunity to give back to the community.”

To participate, drivers need to pass a background check, attend a short volunteer training, and have a car that is in good working condition. Each driver sets his or her own schedule, providing as few or as many rides as they would like. Information can be found at http://www.starsride.org/volunteer.