All Treat, No Trick: Upthegrove Delivers “Retired” Van to Renton Youth and Family Services
Summary
Renton Area Youth and Family Services (RAYS) will use the van to transport seniors that are primary caregivers for their grandchildren to programs, community service and family activities.
Story
On Friday, October 31, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove delivered an eight-passenger van to Renton Area Youth and Family Services (RAYS).RAYS will use the van to transport youth to development programs, cultural and educational outings, community service opportunities and the odd trick or treating activity about town. The van will also be used to help seniors who are their grandchildrens’ primary caregivers.
“Renton Area Youth and Family Services helps hundreds of kids and seniors get the services they need every day,” said Upthegrove. “I am excited to donate a ‘retired’ van from King County to help RAYS continue this mission.”
RAYS is a nonprofit organization that provides mental health and drug treatment counseling, parenting support and community resources to children and youth in the greater Renton and Tukwila area. RAYS operates in many schools and two community centers – one in downtown Renton and one in Skyway.
Since 1995, the County Council has donated vans from Metro’s Vanpool to local cities and nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for low-income, elderly, youth and disabled residents. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing a certain number of miles.
Governments, agencies and organizations that receive vans must meet specific requirements, including outlining specific plans for using the van, ability to provide quality and trained drivers and assurance that the van will be available to assist persons without regard to affiliation with any particular organization.
Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Upthegrove’s office at 206-477-1005 or dave.upthegrove@kingcounty.gov.
Councilmember Upthegrove hands over the keys to Richard Brooks (Back Left), Executive Director of Renton Area Youth and Family Services (RAYS).
Upthegrove and Brooks are joined by parents and families that have benefited from RAYS services.