Why Donna Drives
After retiring from teaching, Donna Crouch wasn’t ready to slow down—she was ready to find her next purpose.
“I wanted to do something that still felt like some purpose in life,” Donna shared.
When she saw a New Growth Transit post on social media, something clicked. She had always enjoyed driving. She loved helping people. And she preferred meaningful one-on-one connections over large groups.
So she applied.
Three years later, Donna is now one of New Growth Transit’s Top 5 Volunteer Drivers of 2025—and she’s put a lot of miles where her heart is.
With her commitment to service, Donna never leaves patients stranded — even when appointments run longer than expected. At New Growth Transit, volunteers are dedicated to providing safe, reliable transportation, and Donna is proud to be part of that promise.
Purpose in Every Mile
Donna lives near Warsaw, Missouri, and drives throughout the region helping neighbors get to medical appointments, hospital discharges, and other critical needs. Since purchasing a new car last year, she’s already put 38,000 miles on it in under a year.
That’s no small commitment.
When asked if volunteer driving is worth it, her answer is simple: “Sure is. Yes, it’s worth it.”
For Donna, it’s not just about the driving —it’s about the people.
“It’s just… I meet the nicest people and learn their stories,” she said.
In rural communities, distances are long and public transportation options are few to none.
Donna has even stepped in for hospital pickups. Some riders can get to the hospital but don’t have a way home.
When someone needs a ride home from the hospital, or after another service gets them to an appointment, many have no one to call for the trip back. In rural communities, that can mean long waits, worsening health conditions, or simply being stranded.
That’s why New Growth Transit schedules medical appointments as round trips from the beginning — because no one should have to worry about how they’ll get home after receiving care.
The Flexibility to Serve
One of the things Donna appreciates most about volunteering with New Growth Transit is the flexibility.
Her husband drives a school bus part-time. When they want to travel or take a few days off, she can simply adjust her schedule. That flexibility allows her to serve others while still enjoying retirement on her own terms.
And she doesn’t have to manage all the moving parts herself. “You guys figure out the logistics,” Donna said, appreciating the support New Growth Transit provides behind the scenes.
That support matters. Volunteer drivers choose when and where they want to drive, and New Growth Transit handles scheduling, coordination, and rider communication—so drivers like Donna can focus on what they do best: helping neighbors.
A Heart for Helping
Donna says she likely inherited her servant heart from her mother.
“She always was helping somebody,” Donna shared.
And that spirit continues through her today. She has already recommended volunteering to others. The most common hesitation she hears? People worry about putting miles on their cars.
It’s a real concern. Rural transportation requires real distance.
That’s why New Growth Transit reimburses volunteer drivers $0.70 for every miles they provide with their time as a volunteer—helping make it possible for generous people like Donna to keep serving.
More Than a Ride
In rural Missouri, transportation challenges aren’t just about distance—they’re about isolation. They’re about people who can’t drive themselves. They’re about long trips and frequent trips to specialists, dialysis, cancer treatment, or even a simple follow-up appointment.
Drivers like Donna ensure no one is left stranded.
Her story reminds us that retirement doesn’t mean stepping away—it can mean stepping forward in a new way. One mile at a time.
How You Can Help
Volunteer drivers like Donna make this work possible—but we need more neighbors willing to step up.
Volunteer as a driver and set your own schedule while receiving mileage reimbursement. Drive only a little, or as much as you want. Every ride makes a difference!
Can’t be a driver but still want to help? 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/NewGrowthTransitDonation
Mail donations to:
New Growth Transit
c/o West Central MO Community Action Agency
112 W 4th St, Appleton City, MO 64724