FARMINGTON – Approaching its first year of service, Neighbors Helping Neighbors has found another way to help needy county residents by donating money to pay for taxi rides.

The organization recently donated $200 to Town Taxi owner Rod Judkins to take patients released from Franklin Memorial Hospital or its other facilities, who otherwise have no transportation, to their homes. People may call Town Taxi at 860-8646 for service.

“There is a transportation need in the community and this donation helps bridge the gap,” Gerald Cayer, Franklin Community Health Network executive vice president, said. He thanked the group for the contribution to the taxi service.

The donation was the latest effort by Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which formed last spring with about a dozen people. Their purpose is to give a helping hand to people in need.

So far, that help has included fixing steps for an elderly couple, providing transportation for a Chesterville woman to get to grocery stores, and obtaining a donation of wood for a family who moved from the South in November, member Ivan Gould said.

The group “just wanted to find a way to help our folks in Franklin County,” Gould said.

“We were trying to think outside the box,” he said. Volunteers have skills that include carpentry, electrical and plumbing. Some volunteers are unemployed and want to give their time, he said.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors tries to stay away from programs such as fuel assistance that other organizations are already helping with.

The group agreed to not look for sponsors to fund their efforts. Instead they raise money at events that appeal to many, he said. A barn dance and a scavenger hunt were successful.

“The phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting to know when the next scavenger hunt is going to be. They had a blast during the first one. Folks just want to have fun and help out, raising money,” Gould said.

Another hunt, including aspects of the TV show “The Amazing Race” is tentatively planned for April 1.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is also applying to become a nonprofit organization.

People are welcome to join the group, Gould said. Meetings are held once a month at different times and locations to accommodate members from Farmington, Wilton and Strong.

Those interested in learning more about their efforts may visit their Facebook page at Neighbors Helping Neighbors, call Jon and Lois Bubier at 778-2249, or call Gould at 491-5074.

abryant@sunjournal.com