Samaritan's Carriage was founded in 2002.
Samaritan’s Carriage was created in 2002. Gary Ruiter was searching for a way to be a vital servant of God in his retirement. He wondered, what does “go and do likewise” require of me? An organization in Chicago called Life on Wheels sparked an idea. With the help of his wife, children, and a dear friend, Gary followed God’s lead. He was inspired by the familiar story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. Who was it that offered assistance to the man beaten along the road? The Samaritan and his donkey stepped into the situation. The Samaritan felt compassion for the beaten man, and his donkey provided the transportation. As Gary wrote in the very first Samaritan’s Carriage newsletter, “Samaritan’s Carriage is the combination of the caring heart of the Samaritan and
the versatile transportation he possessed.”
Before Gary passed away, we reminisced about the early days of Samaritan’s Carriage when he was the executive director. Since the inception there have been five executive directors. As the fifth director we talked about what the future of Samaritan’s Carriage would look like? We will only know when look back and see how God has moved Samaritan’s Carriage forward. Where will Samaritan’s Carriage be in another ten years? With the help of volunteers and donors, there is no telling how many more people will experience the joy of companionship and God’s creation.
The Covid years were difficult for so many people. When Covid hit in March of 2020, all outings ceased. The “Carriage” sat idle for two years. The blessings of those outings, both for the guests and the volunteers, ended. In March of 2022 the “Carriage” came out of storage and the ministry begin once again. But how? Where were the volunteers? Many of them were ready and willing to get back on the Carriage. However, about a third of the volunteers were not able to enjoy the blessings of interacting with the guests anymore. That meant new volunteers
were needed and they came!
The original carriage was on the road over 20 years and needed to be replaced. A Carriage Campaign began in October 2023. The support of the community was overwhelming. A new bus was ordered in March 2024 and by September we were transporting our guests on a brand new 2025 bus designed exactly the same way Gary designed the first bus. It enables the volunteers and the guests to have conversations as we drive to our destinations. Community and relationship building is so important to the mission of Samaritan’s Carriage.
For over 20 years, Samaritan’s Carriage has provided outings for mobility-challenged people living in assisted living homes. This year we will pass 2000 cumulative outings. That means nearly 10,000 individuals have been enabled to leave their four walls, go to a place of interest, and be treated to lunch where they can select the entree they desire. All the while, being individually served by a volunteer. All done in the name of Jesus!