Q:        How many dollars does it take, if laid end to end, to reach one mile 

A:   $10, 560!

That is how many dollars, one dollar at a time, which Faith in Action Community Connection hopes to raise through its “Mile of Dollars” campaign. The nonprofit organization will launch the campaign in April to raise funds to support the program’s free volunteer transportation for the elderly and disabled. Collection boxes will be available in businesses throughout the area.

Every day, Faith in Action volunteers drive many miles to assist elderly and disabled residents of Hancock County. They drive them to medical appointments, the grocery store, jobs, the library, the vet, church, town offices, to Meals for ME , to visit friends – in short, helping them maintain independence when they can no longer drive themselves. Volunteers also help with little things: they may accompany the older person to their appointment or guide the visually impaired person through the grocery store, or take a lonely shut-in for a ride or a walk on the beach. In short, they are good neighbors!

There is no charge for Faith in Action’s services, but there are many costs associated with recruiting, training and coordinating volunteers. Program director Jo Cooper says the program currently has 134 volunteers but the demand for the service is outpacing the number of volunteers.

Donors to the “Mile of Dollars” campaign may enter for four drawings for gas cards: $50 gas card when the campaign reaches the quarter mile mark ($2640), $100 gas card at the half-mile ($5280), $150 gas card at the three-quarter mile mark ($7920) and a $200 gas card at the end of the mile.

To donate, volunteer or request services, call 664-6016, email fia@gwi.net, or visit the web site: www.fiacommunityconnection.org. Track the Mile of Dollars progress at top of our page!