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Letter exchanges brighten Christmas

On the job, transportation department employees deliver services and products that make the lives of Idahoans safer and more rewarding.

Away from the workplace, many ITD employees touch their fellow citizens through their generous gifts of time and resources. Each year Jeri Ross and Barbara Bates collect a list of Meals on Wheels recipients in the Pocatello area who do not have family or others to provide and care for them. The needs are especially evident during the holidays.

A list was circulated among ITD employees before Christmas, asking for volunteers to spend time with homebound recipients in the meals program or those with other special needs.

Randy (Melinda) Leiby responded to the request, and the impact was life changing.

“My son and I participated again this year,” writes Randy. “In addition to buying gifts, my son Andrew sent a letter and picture to “Ed,” one of the Meals on Wheels recipients, and offered to be Ed’s pen pal. Ed was very appreciative of the letter and quickly responded.

“Since Christmas, Ed and Andrew have corresponded several times.

“Ed is disabled and unable to leave the house, and I think the interaction is healthy for him. With each letter they learn more about each other, and it has been a great experience for everyone.”

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The transportation department joins in extending its appreciation to Randy and Andrew for going the extra mile to make a difference. Have you or a colleague enjoyed similar experiences of volunteer service or responding to unique needs? If so, please feel free to pass the information along for possible inclusion in the Transporter.