65 Hours of Giving
July 21 @ 8 a.m. – July 24 @ 1 a.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Gaye Lynn Wilson
Executive Director, Wilson Rides Inc.
[email protected]
615-622-5557
Website: www.wilsonridesinc.org
Wilson County, TN (July 1, 2025)– Wilson Rides Inc. proudly announces its 5th Annual Give65 Campaign, a 65-hour online giving event taking place July 21–24. With $10,000 in matching funds available, donations made during this limited window will be matched dollar-for-dollar, helping Wilson Rides go even further in supporting older adults across Wilson County.
Give65 supports Wilson Rides’ mission to provide safe, affordable, volunteer-driven transportation and holistic services for adults 55+. Destinations include medical appointments, dialysis, therapy, grocery stores, banks, salons, restaurants, senior centers, tax appointments, the DMV, voting sites, and visits with family members—ensuring older adults remain independent and engaged in their community.
Since completing its first official ride in May 2021, Wilson Rides has provided transportation to 172 older adults, completing 2,966 round trips—over 10,000 individual trips or tasks and 155,000+ miles driven by caring volunteers. In just four years, Wilson Rides has recorded nearly 9,000 volunteer hours and delivered holiday cheer to over 930 older adults through Easter bags and Christmas gifts.
In the past year alone, Wilson Rides has also:
- Delivered 600+ Easter bags and 260+ Christmas gifts and stockings to older adults in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
- Hosted 200+ seats at holiday luncheons for Easter and Thanksgiving
- Sent hundreds of birthday, holiday, and “just because” cards to spread joy and reduce isolation
- Provided free rides to veterans and scholarships to riders who could not otherwise afford transportation
“Give65 isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about raising community,” said Gaye Lynn Wilson, Executive Director of Wilson Rides. “Every dollar helps us provide independence, dignity, and connection to someone’s life. And this year, thanks to matching funds, your donation goes twice as far. Give $10—it’s matched $10. Give $65—it’s matched $65.”
“Wilson Rides delivers essential services that ensure older adults receive the support they deserve in every season of life,” added Maggie Lea, Owner of Home Instead – Wilson County and steward of the Give65 platform. “We’re proud to support their 5th Annual Give65 campaign. The nonprofit sector plays a critical role in helping aging adults live independently and with dignity—and we are truly grateful to every donor who joins this important cause.”
During the event, Wilson Rides will be raising funds to support sustainability and general operating expenses, enabling the organization to continue providing safe, affordable rides as well as connection and holiday happiness to older adults in Wilson County, TN. Donations can be made at www.wilsonridesinc.org.
Wilson Rides also contributed to Wilson County becoming one of Tennessee’s AARP Age-Friendly Communities, and continues to lead in age-friendly initiatives through transportation, storytelling, and volunteer engagement.
How to Get Involved
- Donate online at www.wilsonridesinc.org from July 21 @ 8 a.m. through July 24 @ 1 a.m.
- Start a fundraising challenge as an individual, business, family, alumni group, or civic club
- Local businesses: Wilson Rides will gladly visit to take photos or video your donation to inspire others
- Volunteer: Drivers, food box delivery helpers, and event support volunteers are needed!
- Students can earn volunteer hours by helping with events, outreach, and more—just reach out!
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About Wilson Rides
Wilson Rides Inc is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 2020 that preserves quality of life and fosters a connected community for older adults in Wilson County, TN, by providing safe, reliable, affordable, volunteer-driven transportation to local destinations. Wilson Rides was named “2022 Nonprofit of Excellence” by the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Gaye Lynn Wilson was named “2022 Wilsonian of the Year” by the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce. The Wilson Rides event “Sips & Sounds” was recognized as a 2022 Finalist for Best Community or Nonprofit Event, and the organization received the Community Enhancement Award in both January and April 2025 in Mt. Juliet, TN. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn @wilsonridesinc and listen to our podcast, “StoryTime with Wilson Rides.” To learn more, visit www.wilsonridesinc.org
About Give65
Give65 was a signature program of Home Instead Charities from 2016 to 2023 and was the first and only online giving platform exclusively for charitable organizations serving aging adults. Its mission was to inspire generosity in support of older adults in need and the organizations that serve them. In 2024, Home Instead Franchise Owner Maggie Lea acquired the rights to the Give65 platform and granted Wilson Rides Inc. permission to carry the brand forward.
