Starting a national organization on your kitchen table may sound like a cliché, but a lot of good things really do happen in kitchens. That is where ITNAmerica started, and now that I work remotely, that is still where I am as I write this blog.
This year, ITNAmerica celebrated our 30th anniversary as the first, and still the only, national nonprofit transportation network for America’s aging population. We have learned an enormous amount in that time, but the most important thing we have learned in 30 years is that the biggest need for nonprofit transportation services across the country is enough volunteer drivers to meet the ever-growing need for rides—to healthcare appointments, shopping trips, and everything else that makes life worth living.
As you think about giving back at this time of year and make your resolutions for 2026, please consider volunteering to drive. America’s Volunteer Driver Center (AVDC) makes it easy to do. AVDC is ITNAmerica’s newest program. Developed with support from the Federal Transit Administration and the CDC, and with Congressionally Directed Spending grants supported by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, AVDC is launching a national public information campaign to recruit 150,000 volunteer drivers for nonprofit providers across the country by changing the way Americans think about and support transportation for our aging population.
America’s Volunteer Driver Center will be to volunteer driving what the Red Cross is to blood donation—a national effort for a national need.
AVDC is now inviting volunteer transportation programs in every community to sign up for volunteer drivers. There is no cost to participate, for providers or volunteers. The national public information campaign to recruit the volunteers will launch a bit later in 2026, but it is not too soon to sign on to the website to receive updates and follow along with us as we build this national effort.
Cars are personal spaces, like little rolling living rooms—temperature controlled, upholstered, with picture windows and music. Your older passengers will get in the front seat and be happy to talk with you, sharing a little history, a recipe, or pictures of grandchildren. They will appreciate it if you help them with walkers, packages, or seatbelts, and they may take your arm on an icy sidewalk.
You may wonder who benefits more, the older person you are driving, or you, for their company.
Happy holidays.
