Published: May 13, 2008 11:53 am            

New vehicles to better transport seniors

Seniors in Effingham County have a new ride to take them where they want to go.

Senior Services of Effingham County recently purchased two new vehicles that will replace the old minivans it was using for senior transportation.

People who are 60 or older are eligible to ride the vehicles to doctors’ appointments, shopping or social activities, among other occasions. The vehicles travel to other towns in Effingham County on certain days of the week.

“We’re the only service that provides transportation to seniors 60 and over in Effingham County. With gas as high as it is, there’s certainly a need for it. These seniors are on a fixed income,” said Jean Bohnhoff, executive director for Senior Services of Effingham County.

The 14-passenger 2008 Ford paratransit vehicles with wheelchair lift mechanisms were paid for with $105,746 from state and federal grants.

State Sen. John Jones, R-Mount Vernon, and Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill, who helped obtain the grant money, were on hand at the senior center to eat lunch, answer questions and view the new vehicles.

“We want to do everything we can to keep this (senior programs) going. Certainly your new vans are going to be a part of that,” Reis said.

Bohnhoff said the agency has been waiting on the grant money for years, and Jones and Reis were “instrumental” in getting those funds.

In case people did not notice the old vehicles, Bohnhoff made sure people will notice the new vehicles.

“Jean contacted me and wanted a way to let people know what the vehicles are there for,” said Chad Lidy of Lidy Graphics in Heartville.

The new vehicles are green with a large picture of a senior and all the contact information for the agency.

“We did a proof with all the information she needed. Then from there, it’s a wrap printed on adhesive-backed vinyl. It more or less turns the van into a rolling billboard,” he said.

There is no set fee for riders. However, they are encouraged to make a donation. People wishing to schedule a ride should call 217-347-5569 the day before.

Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@

effinghamdailynews.com.