WHEATLAND — Thanks to the efforts of members of All Saints Episcopal Church in Wheatland, Platte ParaTransit recently received a generous donation from the Foundation for the Episcopal Church in Wyoming. 

Platte ParaTransit provides transportation to and from medical services and facilities in Cheyenne, Douglas, Laramie, Casper, Ft. Collins, CO and Scottsbluff, NE for Platte County residents who are elderly, disabled, and otherwise unable to travel.

The service is especially important for patients who need dialysis, because most of them need to be treated three days a week at centers in Cheyenne or Casper. Because this service is available, many of them are able to continue to live at home instead of being forced to move to a care facility near a dialysis provider. 

The Platte ParaTransit has been operating in Platte County for over 10 years through the efforts of Marge Scholten and the local Thrift Store, but was re-organized into a non-profit organization when Marge retired and the Thrift Store was sold. It is now funded only through donations, fundraisers, and the generosity of volunteers. It costs about $2,500 a month to operate, maintain, and provide insurance for the vehicles. 

According to Covenant Lutheran Church Pastor Joshua Bruns, who is also a Platte ParaTransit volunteer, “We are constantly seeking volunteer drivers. A clean driving record is a must. Anyone wanting to volunteer with us can apply and be interviewed; many of our volunteers are retired and it’s a good fit for them.” We appreciate any ideas for raising funds and are grateful for our generous donors.

For more information, contact: Kathy Wilson at 307-241-0156 (e-mail: kewilson@juno.com)