FARMINGTON – The local Elder Ride Program received a $2,000 donation from Wal-Mart’s pharmacy Friday, program director Star Barden said.

Since 1999, the program has provided rides for people over 60 within Franklin County and Livermore Falls who do not have Maine Care.

Volunteers provide rides for the elderly for physician visits and to obtain prescriptions, Barden said. A Life Saving program, under Elder Ride, provides transportation for other services such as dialysis.

She said 68 volunteers offer their services. Some have been donating rides because of a need for funding, so the gift from Wal-Mart greatly appreciated, she said.

Some services have been limited but, she said, she tells clients to call every couple weeks to see what is available. If there need is critical, she also prompts them to tell her so that she can find a way to help them.

“Sometimes, I’ve provided the service without knowing how it was going to be funded,” she said. “But it’s hard to say no.”