“Retired” County Vans benefit youth and those with disabilities

September 19, 2012

Summary

Story

Young people and those with disabilities on the Eastside will benefit from the donation of surplus vans from the King County Metro Vanpool Program.

On September 17, the Metropolitan King County Council approved donating 27 retired vans to agencies that provide transportation assistance to local governments, community programs, senior citizens and young people. Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents District 3 in northeast King County, announced the donation of vans to Push International in Woodinville, Jubilee REACH in Bellevue and Camp Korey in Carnation.

Push International provides sustainable mobility and therapy to people with disabilities, transporting those with debilitating medical conditions and cognitive impairments to medical appointments and events. The non-profit agency offers transportation services throughout King County

Jubilee REACH Center mobilizes volunteers from businesses, social organizations and churches to provide youth with recreational enrichment opportunities. Vans are used by the non-profit partnership to transport youth between schools and the center and activities.

Camp Korey provides children battling life-threatening and serious illness with recreation opportunities in a safe, welcoming and medically appropriate environment, including support for families. The camp uses vans to transport youth to the camp in Carnation, which is part of Paul Newman’s SeriousFun children’s Network of camps and programs, as well as to take programming to children too ill to attend camp.

“These programs provide important opportunities and a mobility lifeline for our young people and special populations,” said Councilmember Lambert. “These donated vans will allow better access for more participation in these excellent programs.”

In 1995, the County Council began donating retired vans to non-profit groups for the transportation of low-income clients. That donation effort has grown to include both non-profits and local governments. The vans now meet the transportation needs of the low-income clients, youth, the elderly and the disabled.