 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Day Trip For Seniors
Watch This Video
| Windows Media |
  |
| QuickTime | |
| MPEG |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|||
|
For many senior citizens one of the things they often reluctantly must give up is the privilege of driving. This means no more long road trips. But thanks to a unique ministry, many seniors are still able to experience life outside their communities, while letting someone else do the driving. |
|||
 |
|||
 |
New Items | Additional Stories | Archives | ||
SCRIPT:
Members of the First United Methodist church of Sioux Falls, South Dakota are headed out of town.
Donald Klarup / Director, First United Methodist Church Bus Ministry: “It’s called the Bus Trip Ministry and it serves primarily retired folk.”
This began 15 years ago to serve community members, many of whom are unable or concerned about driving long distances, especially at night.
Donald Klarup: “So these outings provide a way that they can get out and see the countryside, enjoy a good show and a meal for a relatively modest price.”
Beryl Olsen: “We don’t have to worry about parking, we leave the driving to the bus driver. He leaves us at the door and comes and picks us up at the door, makes it nice.”
Today’s outing is a 70-mile trip across the state line to Lake Benton, Minnesota, to watch a local production of “Annie” at an historic Opera House.
Theater Manager: “We’d like to welcome a few groups here – the United Methodist Church of Sioux Falls...”
For around thirty bucks, everyone gets a comfortable ride….
Natsound (scene from performance): “The sun will come out tomorrow…”
…gets to enjoy the show…
Natsound (eating dinner): “Excellent.”
…and share a
meal with friends.
Earl Butz: “Seniors love it because of the show, the time out, the time
away, the fellowship and all that.”
The program has made a difference in many lives.
Donald Klarup: “Many of them would just stay at home, they just wouldn’t have this opportunity to get outside the city. A program like this can really help build community.”
TAG:
The Bus Ministry averages 8 to 10 trips a year and organizers claim over 4,000 people have taken at least one or more trips during the past 15 years.