STARS Driver Recognized

STARS Driver, Melanie Lamhart

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and at STARS, we acknowledge that without our volunteers, we wouldn’t exist. We are comprised of 100% volunteers who serve on the board, are directors and managers, take phone calls, and drive passengers to their non-emergency medical appointments. 6 million people in the US miss medical care every year because they lack transportation. Medical care is vital to healthy communities, and that means all of our volunteers are indispensable.

One such volunteer is Melanie Labhart. Melanie stepped up to drive in August of 2024, and in the last 7 months, she has driven 39 rides totaling 2,289 miles. That means that 39 free rides to medical appointments were fulfilled. It means that her neighbors in Sisters Country could count on getting to the healthcare that keeps them living healthier lives. Her service also means that passengers were able to ride at no cost to them. A taxi ride from Sisters to Bend is between $75-95 each way. Melanie’s total rides saved passengers approximately $5,850.00!

As though that isn’t impressive enough, here is what Marti and Bruce, two of Melanie’s passengers had to say about her great service and personality. “Melanie is a very good driver. She is a loving, caring, kind and helpful person. She has a lovely personality”, Marti said, and Bruce chimed in, “Yes! And she makes REALLY good banana bread!”

Thank you, Melanie, from all of us at Sisters Transportation and Ride Share, and from your grateful passengers!