The Walworthians: Caring Friends
The Walworthians: Caring Friends
A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209
by Kate Chamberlin
Caring Friends
November 09, 1995
Caring Friends, Inc. was started by Rudolph DeLesio in response to the need he saw as he and his friends drove his wife to and from radiation treatments.
After her death, he continued to dedicate his time to caring for friends, especially in the area of transportation.
People using this service are not charged. Money is raised through special events around the county and freewill donations.
Rides to medical appointments take top priority, but every effort is made to provide a ride for other occasions.
Janice Slack, a retired nurse and Caring Friends volunteer, recently provided transportation and much more to Jack and Martha McFall.
Jack was recovering from hip surgery and Martha is legally blind. They both had doctor’s appointments and needed a ride. Janice filled a big need for transportation. The stop for ice cream cones was just an added personal touch that meant so much.
In August the Wayne Area Low-vision Support Group a. K. A. The Lemonade Society used the new Caring Friends Van Service. Members were picked up from Newark, Lyons and Sodus to go to their summer picnic in Foreman State Park, Pultneyville.
The van’s passengers collected a freewill donation and mailed it to the office.
Caring Friends is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Carrier. This would enable them to be reimburse by the State for transportation costs on a per person basis.
Volunteers are a very big part of the success of Caring Friends. Volunteer day-time drivers with a CDL19A license are encouraged to call the Caring Friends office. This is an opportunity to put your free-time and talents to good use.
For more information contact: Caring Friends of Wayne County, Inc. 24 S. Park, Clyde, NY, 14433; Rudolph DeLesio at 923-9862 or the Ride Scheduler: Lucey Swanson 923-2541.
October 12, 2017 Up-Date: I’m not sure if Caring Friends is still available, but, I do remember how happy Jack and Martha McFall were to have the personal service in their time of need.