Allita Dunn remembers how volunteers made all the difference in the final years of her mother’s life in Florida, driving her to doctors’ appointments, grocery stores and anywhere else she needed to go.
Dunn has carried that kindness forward ever since. Inspired by the help her mother received, Dunn, now 80, has been volunteering with Hopkinton’s Dial-A-Ride Program for 12 years.
“I was made aware of the need, and it’s my way of giving back,” Dunn said. “Sometimes I think of my mother when I’m doing it.”
Dial-A-Ride is a volunteer-run program in Hopkinton where locals use their own cars to give rides five days a week. They help residents in the Contoocook, Hopkinton and Concord areas get to grocery stores, the salon, medical and dental appointments, the hospital — wherever they need to go.
Many other volunteers in town join Dunn each week, dedicating their time to taking those who can’t drive to where they need to be.
Beyond transportation, the program is about socialization, said Carol Harless, a Dial-A-Ride volunteer and board member.
“They’re stuck in their homes. They can’t get out,” said Harless. “We’ll take them to the hair salon to have their hair done, because that’s important for your mental wellness, which is all part of living.”
Many Dial-A-Ride volunteers got involved after seeing firsthand how essential these services can be for their own family members.
Cettie Connolly often made the trip down to Massachusetts to help out her sister when she lived there. Her sister’s community didn’t have a service like Dial-A-Ride, so Connolly would either drive her to appointments herself or find friends who could take her wherever she needed to go.
Now, as a board member and driver for her own community’s transportation program, Connolly said the experience has been deeply rewarding.
“You get more back than what you’re giving,” said Connolly. “They’re so receptive to picking them up and helping them. Their stories are really interesting.”
Although the program has been around for years, many residents still don’t know it exists. Organizers are always looking for volunteers, not just to drive but also to help with scheduling and administrative work.
Drivers can accept or decline ride requests based on their schedules, making it an easy way to give back without a big commitment.
Dunn said that flexibility is exactly what allows her to keep helping for as long as she’s able.
“I feel useful and enjoy it. This is what a community does,” Dunn said. “I can’t imagine being unable to drive, even in a town like this, where things aren’t that far away.”