Volunteer of year is driven to help

TAMPA -- While deciding if he wanted to be a volunteer driver for the Red Cross Angel Wings program 13 years ago, Arthur Hart met a man nearly 80 years old who drove elderly patients to their medical appointments. He was so impressed at the commitment of the man that he became a volunteer driver too.

He was 76 then. Now, at age 89, he still volunteers one day a week driving patients to their appointments.

"I figured if he could do it, so could I," Hart said. "My eyes are very clear and I am alert behind the wheel, so if I can use my good health and driving skills to help people who need help, that is not so much for me and could mean a lot to them. Some of them need help in and out of the car and into the doctor's office. It helps keep me fit."

Recently, Hart was selected as the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program's "Volunteer of the Year" for his service to his community.

The Angel Wings program operates five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and allows seniors to get rides to and from their medical appointments.

"Sometimes Arthur drives 80 miles or more in one day," said Red Cross representative Patti Alexander. "He is so reliable and liked by the people he helps. He learned the area when he delivered milk for Florida Dairy for so many years. When I first came here, I got lost a few times and all I had to do was call Arthur and he'd tell me how to get where I was going."

Alexander said most people know of the Red Cross disaster work, but few know of the day-to-day help provided to the elderly through the Angel Wings program. She says the organization buys and maintains the vehicles and pays for gas, but that more volunteers are needed to drive and help clients.

"They must take a CPR course, have a good driving record, have good health and have a background check," Alexander said.

Hart was born in New York, but moved to Jamaica with his parents when he was 8 years old. After serving in World War II in the Navy, he moved to Tampa and decided to stay.

The Harts raised seven children. To provide for his family, Arthur Hart often worked two or three jobs.

"Seems like one job didn't quite bring in enough money to feed everybody, so I would find extra jobs here and there," he said. "I delivered milk, ice and bread on different occasions. The ice was hardest. At only 120 pounds I would have to lug 100 pound blocks of ice. Wow! I soon got a job helping in the plant though, before starting with Florida Dairy."

The Florida Dairy job lasted 16 years and he retired from the company at age 65. During that time, Hart learned about the geography of Tampa and that knowledge helps him now.

In addition to the exercise he gets helping people in and out of cars, Hart works out two or three days a week at a local YMCA.

"Driving is relaxing to me, especially with the nice vehicles the Red Cross provides," Hart said. "I don't think I do all that much for people, because the man upstairs helps me stay healthy to help. As long as my eyes remain clear and my reflexes are sharp, I plan to keep volunteering with Angel Wings, even if I make it to 100."

To volunteer for the Angel Wings program, call Alexander at 813-251-0921.

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