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The frail travel on the wheels of 'angels'

For 25 years, the Tampa Bay chapter of the American Red Cross has been driving elderly and infirm people around for free.

When Phyllis Baker drove up to Ruth McGinnis' house in Sun Bay South, no car was in the driveway. But McGinnis had been inside all morning, making sure not a strand of her white hair was out of place.

Baker honked the horn of her Red Cross Angel Wings car, and McGinnis slowly walked down the driveway. She wore a smile brighter than her lime green blouse.

McGinnis began using the Red Cross Angel Wings program to get to doctors' appointments 14 years ago after her husband, Paul, died. McGinnis never learned to drive.

"If I drove, I'd volunteer for you," McGinnis told Baker.

The Tampa Bay chapter of the American Red Cross drives 600 to 1,000 elderly and infirm people to and from medical appointments every week for free. The program celebrates its 25th anniversary Monday at a tea fundraiser on Davis Islands.

During the drive from her house to a dermatologist appointment on Armenia Avenue, McGinnis talks about how she met her husband and about a mission trip she once took to Africa with her church. McGinnis loves to volunteer, dine out and shop, whenever she can get a ride. When she can't, she takes the bus.

"For a lot of these people, our drivers are the only social stimulation they get," said Bonnie Kushlakus, who organizes transportation for Angel Wings. "The drivers, they talk to these people. It's like a one-on-one. They become their friend."

The drivers become familiar faces to the seniors, who typically ask to be matched with drivers they know, Kushlakus said.

"At that stage of their lives, it's a really important thing for them, because it's very scary when you're getting older and you don't feel like you can depend on somebody to be there," she said.

The service runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, but Richard Sanders, general manager of Red Cross programs and services, hopes to add afternoon hours. First, he needs more angels.

Volunteers must have a driver's license and a good driving record. They must complete free training in first aid and CPR and must be willing to commit a half day per week. Routes and pickup times are scheduled in advance.

Patte Ayala, who has been a Red Cross volunteer for 51 years and co-founded Angel Wings in 1981, said it's a privilege being an angel.

"You don't get to that status too often - alive," she said. "It's a thrill to be able to know that we are helping so many people."

- Alexandra Zayas can be reached at 226-3354 or at azayas@sptimes.com

The Red Cross Angel Wings Transportation Program celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Silver Anniversary Tea fundraiser from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday at a home on Davis Islands. For reservations and directions, call Melanie Koch at 813 348-4820, ext. 880 or e-mail koch@tampabay.redcross.org Tickets cost $25. To volunteer or request Angel Wings' transportation services call (813) 348-4820, ext. 827.