AUGUSTA — Neighbors Driving Neighbors held a celebratory luncheon May 25 at the Viles House to honor its volunteer drivers.

NDN President Harald Bredesen thanked the drivers, whom he called “the heart of NDN,” for their dedication and commitment to helping others in the communities served by NDN, according to a news release from Cindy Murphy with NDN.

NDN’s Executive Director Joe Austin shared updates, highlighting the recent addition of Readfield to the organization’s service area. Neighbors Driving Neighbors also provides 60 to 70 rides each month to residents of Belgrade, Fayette, Mount Vernon, Rome and Vienna. Fifty drivers are on board to volunteer their time and gas to this service.

Austin commented that riders often tell him how grateful they are, and drivers thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with their community neighbors. He further stated, “Rides are not only provided to medical appointments and grocery stores — NDN takes residents to lectures, lunches, and other social events — even to work. And this past year, NDN was proud to say that we reached the 100,000 miles driven mark.”

Other upcoming NDN events include the Readfield Launch Party at Readfield Town Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 25; the Annual Community Breakfast, Mount Vernon Community Center, 2 North Road, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 22; and an online auction fundraiser at biddingowl.com/neighborsdrivingneighbors, July 1-28.

For more information, to become a volunteer driver or to register as a rider, visit neighborsdrivingneighbors.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!