Since expanding the hours of operation for their buses the first of this year, Porter County Aging & Community Services (PCACS) has experienced a significant growth in ridership for their demand response transportation service. In the first six months of 2010, they provided 44 percent more rides than in the first six months of last year. Over half of the 11,886 rides they have provided so far this year were free rides to the disabled. 
PCACS provides door to door transportation in Porter County. According to Executive Director, Bruce Lindner, “We can take any Porter County resident from the door of their home to the door of any where they want to go in Porter County and back to their home again for $2. If they are disabled, they ride for free. If they are low-income, we can provide subsidies to cover the cost. We are in the business of extending a helping hand to those most in need in our community in order to improve their quality of life.”
Without public support, the PCACS transportation service would not be possible. The best way to support PCACS right now is through their Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program (NAP). Through NAP, any Indiana resident, business or organization that donates $100 or more to PCACS will receive a credit for 50 percent of that amount to be deducted from their Indiana Income Tax. They can also claim 100 percent of the donated amount as a Federal Income Tax deduction. A donation of $200 will cover the cost to subsidize transportation for more than 100 seniors and/or provide over 100 round trips to doctor appointments, dialysis, the grocery store, etc. Checks should be made payable to PCACS with NAP written on the check and mailed to: PCACS, 1005 Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385. For more information, call Melissa Benefiel (219.464.9736).
To learn more about PCACS and their door to door transportation service, visit their website at www.portercountyacs.org. To schedule a ride, call their transportation department at (219) 462-4302.