A little more can sometimes make a big difference.

Imagine a tall glass filled nearly to the brim. Just a little extra and it’ll be full. Just a few drops could fill up the empty space. That little bit makes a notable difference. There’s no more debate to be had about if the glass is partly empty or partly full; the glass’ status undeniably changes to “full.”

At the VA Butler Healthcare, there are slightly more than a dozen active volunteer drivers providing roughly 150 trips a month through a program that transports veterans to critical medical appointments for treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis. Some just a half-hour down the road, while others are across state lines.

It’s through the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network that this fleet of vehicles exists in Butler County — and around the country — to provide free transportation to VA medical facilities for injured and ill veterans. That agency provides the vehicles to VA Butler Healthcare, and the VA organizes volunteers and schedules trips for clients who may otherwise not be able to get to their medical appointments.

With just a few more volunteers, the agency recently told our reporter Eddie Trizzino, that it could fulfill all requests for trips. Amy Tomko, voluntary services officer and chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the VA Butler Healthcare, said a little more could go a long way.

For Lee Dyer, the drives are well worth the time. A volunteer for the program, he enjoys the stories he hears along the drives.

On the day of a client’s appointment, the driver reports to Abie Abraham VA Clinic on North Duffy Road, where the volunteer picks up the proper vehicle. That volunteer then drives to the veteran, picks him up and takes him to the appointment.

If you’ve got some time to spare, consider being one of the few volunteers to help the VA get all requests filled. It would make a world of difference for veterans to know their request can be filled when they make that appointment.

For more information on the volunteer driving program, contact amy.tomko@va.gov, or call 724-477-5010.

— TL