Mount Kisco Volunteer Group Gives Rides to People Who Can't Drive

Since 1971, volunteers from Mount Kisco-based Friends in Service Helping (FISH) have been providing transportation for those who cannot drive.

Former Mount Kisco mayor and current FISH coordinator Patricia Reilly says that FISH doesn't limit its services to anyone. Whether people are elderly, physically challenged or mentally challenged, if they are unable to drive, then they can call FISH for rides.

Arranging for transportation is simple. A person in need of a ride calls FISH in the morning, leaves a message on a machine and receives a confirmation call back at around 8:30 a.m. A volunteer shows up, sometimes with other seniors in the car, and delivers a client to their destination. Pick up locations range from people's houses, to the J. Edward Fox Senior Center, and include any place in the Mount Kisco and Bedford areas. 

The volunteers, who are mostly seniors themselves, usually work up to one full day each month. Reilly says that volunteers look forward to doing the work because they "get more out of it than they give."

According to Celeste Lynn, Irving Green and Lillian Smilkstein, the volunteers give a lot. Lynn praised FISH, and said that it saves her a $10 cab ride to and from the doctor, provides her with a way to get to the pharmacy and gives her a companion to talk to. She goes to the doctors every three months and uses FISH "five, maybe six, times a month."

Like Lynn, Green - who goes by the name Erwin - uses FISH to get to his doctor appointments as well. Green was injured while fighting in World War II and has a Ph D. from New York University, but he can no longer drive. Without FISH, he would struggle to make it to his dental appointments.

Smilkstein has not used FISH recently, but said that she is "just about due for an appointment." She used to drive but no longer has a car. Although Smilkstein has sons, she will request that FISH pick her up from her house and is "very grateful" for its services.

FISH's reliability depends on its volunteers, who it needs more of. According to people involved, the volunteers are selfless, never complain about the cost of gas and are happy to help their fellow community members. In order to properly thank its volunteers, FISH is hosting a "volunteer recognition supper" on Sept. 21. To volunteer, a person with a driver's license can call 914-666-2255.

Next year will be FISH's 40th anniversary. To celebrate, FISH will host a lunch for all of its clients.