ARLINGTON — About 40 seniors and disabled folks were able to get out of their apartments Dec. 23 to make a trip to Haggen Food & Pharmacy, thanks to a cooperative effort by the city of Arlington, DART/TAPS, Haggens and several different residences for seniors.

With DART/TAPS bus driver “Sunny” behind the wheel navigating the icy roads, the passengers were assisted by volunteers Barbara Tolbert, Laura and Don Harris, Chris Jones, Chief Jim Rankin, Lacey, Kelsey and Rusty Colmore, Chris Badger and the fire crews who made sure no one slipped to fall on the snowy, icy walkways. “Matt Johnson and his crew at Haggen’s had motorized carts charged and extra hands available to assist with the shopping and checking out,” said Badger. The bus made two trips to Haggen from Wroblinski Manor, Rose Creek Apartments and Cascade Senior Living and several trips back with the addition of grocery bags. The volunteers helped folks on and off the bus, and helped carry their bags into their apartments.

A good time was had by all, Badger said she heard a lot of comments like, “It was just good to finally see fresh faces and talk to new people after being cooped up for so long.”