The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley has donated $20,000 to support transportation services for local residents with disabilities.

The contribution was presented by Kiwanis Club incoming president, Elaine Hintlian, to Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board Chair Gene Hostetler during a recent district board meeting.

The funds will be used to purchase an Aerolite vehicle, which seats 14 people, or seven people plus two more in wheelchairs. The vehicle will allow the district to offer more frequent trips that require group transportation.

The vehicle may be used for Alternative Recreation trips and for other district programs such as junior lifeguards, teen beach trips, youth activities, summer camps, senior citizen group trips and more.

The district anticipates being able to add more classes and programs now that a suitable form of transportation will be available.

According to District General Manager Larry Peterson, "We are excited to receive this very generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley. It will give the park district the opportunity to expand programs for our community in a meaningful way. The grant will be matched with existing district funds to make this unique purchase possible. We expect it to serve the public for many years into the future."

The Kiwanis Club has supported the district's Alternative Recreation programs for participants with disabilities through financial donations and volunteer

time during the past several yearsMost recently, club members have sponsored Alternative Recreation dances for persons with disabilities and have served as volunteer chaperones at the dances. For more information abouthe vehicle, call the Rancho SimRecreation and Park District a(805) 584-4400.