November 12, 2024

Jasper County RIDE receives $2,000 from the Alliant Energy Foundation

Donation will help the program provide free transportation to those in need

Judie O’Connor, of Newton, volunteers as a Jasper County RIDE driver for the Jasper County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). (File Photo)

CEDAR RAPIDS — Jasper County RIDE has received a community grant of $2,000 from Alliant Energy through its Foundation. The funds will help provide free transportation to medical appointments for individuals who have no other means of transportation.

Jasper County RIDE is a medical transportation program offered by the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Jasper County (RSVP) through the ISU Extension & Outreach of Jasper County.

Volunteers with RSVP help provide free transportation to medical appointments and other medically necessary services. The volunteers serve as drivers for a variety of residents, including those with disabilities or limited income, veterans and senior citizens.

“Thank you to the Alliant Energy Foundation for this generous gift to the Jasper County RIDE program,” said Denice Fischer, Director of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. “This program is vitally important for those in our community who do not have transportation to allow them to stay healthy.”

This community grant to Jasper County Ride is among nearly 240 grants awarded totaling almost $550,000 from Alliant Energy’s Foundation this spring.

“We know our community partners need our support now more than ever,” said Julie Bauer, Executive Director of the Alliant Energy Foundation. “We are supporting Jasper County and this important service to help to make life better for others.”

Since March, Alliant Energy has contributed more than $340,000 to organizations helping with emergency relief efforts in response to COVID-19. This includes donations in Iowa and Wisconsin to Feeding America Food Banks, the American Red Cross and United Way. The company also contributed $2 million to the Hometown Care Energy Fund. The fund assists customers who need financial help to pay their bill. It is supported annually with funds from Alliant Energy and voluntary contributions from customers.

Applications for the next cycle of community grants from Alliant Energy will be available starting Aug. 1.