June 28, 2024

Jasper County RIDE receives $2,500 from the American Legion of Iowa Foundation

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

American Legion of Iowa Foundation presented a community grant of $2,500 to the Jasper County RIDE. Presenting the check, from left, are Steve Shaffer, American Legion Vice Commander for District 5; Jerry Nelson, American Legion Newton Post 111 Commander; Steve Dixon, District 5 Representative American Legion of Iowa Foundation, Denice Fischer, RSVP Director and Donita Huegel, Volunteer Coordinator. (Submitted Photo)

Jasper County RIDE has received a community grant of $2,500 from the American Legion of Iowa Foundation. The funds will help provide free transportation to medical appointments for individuals who have no other means of transportation. The grant was awarded in memory of Richard Bullock, past District 5 Representative – American Legion of Iowa Foundation and former Jasper County Ride volunteer driver.

Jasper County RIDE is a medical transportation program offered by the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Jasper County (RSVP) through the Jasper County Agricultural Extension District (Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, 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 American Legion of Iowa Foundation for this generous gift to the Jasper County RIDE program,” Denice Fischer, Director of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program,said. “This program is vital for those in our community who do not have transportation to medical appointments.”

Incorporated Nov. 29, 1978 as the charitable entity of the Iowa Department of The American Legion, the Foundation was organized as a mechanism for the Legion to provide financial assistance to promote Americanism, youth programs, veterans rehabilitation and community service in the state of Iowa.

Since 1979, more than $1.4 million has been contributed in support of veterans' assistance, educational programs, patriotic endeavors and children and youth programs.
The American Legion of Iowa Foundation has accumulated a total permanent endowment fund over $2 million. Earnings from this endowment are dedicated to supporting programs of veterans' assistance, education and patriotic endeavors.

For additional information about the Jasper County Ride program, contact volunteer coordinator Donita Huegel or Fischer at 641-787-3078.