The CrossNet Ministries transportation ministry was founded in 2018 to serve children and adults living in the ELANCO School District. In March of 2021, volunteer drivers were transporting area residents about five times per month, but by May of 2024, that number had been multiplied by at least 10.

Danielle Kissinger, social services program manager, who began overseeing the transportation ministry for CrossNet in January, said that the ministry averages 50 to 60 rides per month and that during the month of April, 80 area residents contacted CrossNet seeking rides. Kissinger manages that number with only eight volunteer drivers - six women and two men - all of whom are retirees. "Some weeks (drivers) may have one (assignment) per day," said Kissinger, who noted that the same group of volunteers transports both children and adults.

The ministry transports residents to specific appointments, including medical, dental, and mental health visits, along with education-related meetings. Trips to grocery stores and to the CrossNet Food and Nutrition Center have recently been added to that list. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers for driving both adults and children have had their driving records checked, and they have undergone the required clearances. Rider requests for women are sent to female drivers and for men to male drivers. Two vans are available for volunteers to use - one is located at CrossNet and the other at St. John's Center United Church of Christ in East Earl - or volunteers may use their own vehicles.

Grocery trips were added for participants when a volunteer noticed that a number of individuals regularly needed rides to the store. "(The volunteer) will ask about van availability about twice a month (for grocery trips)," reported Kissinger.

"We could take more volunteers - especially (male) volunteers," stated Kissinger, adding that sometimes men need rides, but no male volunteer is available to take them. "We've gotten around that when the volunteers are a married couple," said Joan Yuninger, director of social services with CrossNet. "But for the most part, it's challenging." She pointed out that the commitment of a few volunteers has helped keep the program moving. "We have been blessed. Some of those volunteers do a lot," she stated.

According to Kissinger, many of the ride requests are for medical appointments for retired people. "The volunteers know how important it is to get to those," she stated, adding that the drivers and riders often get to know each other during the trips. "Our participants say, 'All the volunteers are such good company. I enjoy talking to them.'"

Readers who are interested in volunteering or who are in need of transportation may contact CrossNet at 717-355-2454. More information about CrossNet Ministries may be found at https://elancocross.org.