Transportation Services Gave a Child a Second Chance in West Central Michigan

When D'Angela Klyce was born, she weighed a mere 1 pound 4 ounces. As she grew, D'Angela needed many kinds of therapy to help her walk and breathe on her own. Without the resources to drive from their home to the much-needed doctors' visits, her family turned to the American Red Cross of West Central Michigan for help.

For the past three and a half years, Red Cross volunteers have driven D'Angela to and from her doctors' appointments as often as three times a week. D'Angela is one of many Grand Rapids, Michigan, residents receiving this free service. Volunteers provide rides for up to 100 clients each business day and serve as many as 2,000 individual clients per year.

The American Red Cross of West Central Michigan has provided transportation to individuals in need since World War II. What began as rides for soldiers returning home has evolved into a resource for the elderly, disabled, and impoverished residents that live without access to affordable public transportation. Volunteers provide rides to medical and dental appointments – appointments that individuals could not reach without the support of dedicated Red Cross volunteers.