Top Volunteer Drivers of 2025
In 2025, five volunteer drivers went the extra mile — actually, more than 138,000 miles combined — to make sure neighbors across rural Missouri could get to medical care and back home safely.
We’re proud to recognize our Top 5 Volunteer Drivers of 2025:
- Helen Crowder – 44,210 miles
- Donna Crouch – 25,383 miles
- Lee Gott – 24,000 miles
- Tom Claypool – 23,812 miles
- Kevin Hensley – 21,639 miles
These miles represent early mornings, long highway stretches, hospital discharges, specialist visits in larger cities, and countless quiet conversations along the way.
But more than that, they represent heart.
Helen Crowder – 44,210 Miles
From Henry County, Helen once said it best: “You won’t get rich doing this, but I love it!”
Yet Helen also knows the miles add up — and that mileage reimbursements really do cover expenses, as explained in Is 70 Cents a Mile Enough? Let’s Do the Math.
She’s also shared on Facebook, “Driving for New Growth Transit helps not only the riders, but also the drivers, to know they can put their ability to help others to use. I love my riders!”
Helen’s 44,210 miles aren’t just numbers. They’re proof that purpose and joy can ride in the same seat.
Donna Crouch – 25,383 Miles
Donna, who we recently featured in Why Donna Drives, began volunteering after retiring from teaching because she wanted to keep serving others. She’s put tens of thousands of miles on her vehicle in less than a year and still says, “Sure is. Yes, it’s worth it.”
For Donna, it’s about meeting “the nicest people” and making sure getting to the appointment is never the end of the story — she helps ensure they get home too.
Lee Gott – 24,000 Miles
Lee (she/her) quietly and consistently showed up in 2025, logging 24,000 miles for neighbors who needed dependable transportation. Every trip she accepted meant someone else didn’t have to worry about how they’d make it to critical care.
Tom Claypool – 23,812 Miles
Tom, whose story we shared in Driving So No One Has to Be Alone, has long believed that transportation is about more than a ride — it’s about presence. His 23,812 miles reflect a commitment to making sure no neighbor faces long trips or difficult diagnoses alone.
Kevin Hensley – 21,639 Miles
Kevin, featured in Driving So No One Is Left Waiting, understands that in rural communities, waiting can mean more than inconvenience. His 21,639 miles helped ensure neighbors weren’t stranded after procedures or left wondering how they’d get back home.
More Than Just Miles
Together, these five drivers gave over 138,000 miles in 2025 alone.
That is truly extraordinary.
But here’s something equally important:
Not everyone has to drive this much to make a difference.
Some drivers take only a couple of trips a week.
Some help seasonally.
Every single ride matters.
Because in rural communities, distances are long, options are limited, and a ride home isn’t always guaranteed. Whether it’s 44,000 miles or 40 miles, every trip ensures a neighbor isn’t left stranded.
To Helen, Donna, Lee, Tom, Kevin —and to every volunteer driver who said “yes” in 2025 — thank you.
You are proof that neighbors helping neighbors is more than a phrase.
It’s miles. It’s commitment. It’s compassion in motion.
How You Can Help
Volunteer as a driver and set your own schedule while receiving mileage reimbursement.
Can’t be a driver? Donate to support reimbursements for those who generously give their time.
Together, we’re strengthening rural communities and helping neighbors in need — one mile at a time.
Apply to be a driver: 417-283-7991 or at newgrowthtransit.org
Donate online: https://bit.ly/NewGrowthTransitDonationMail donations to:
New Growth Transit
c/o West Central MO Community Action Agency
112 W 4th St, Appleton City, MO 64724