Couple, Travelers Aid of I.E. celebrate anniversary
Travelers Aid of the Inland Empire on Tuesday will celebrate its 27th anniversary at L.A./Ontario International Airport, and at the same time bring attention to a very dedicated couple.
The nonprofit assists stranded travelers, gets victims of domestic violence to a safe haven and provides information to ONT travelers.
Therese Andrews, the nonprofit's executive director, said there are no activities planned for the anniversary but wanted to thank a Glendora couple for their years of service.
Art and Doris Gruoner volunteer on Tuesdays with Travelers Aid. They have completed 44 years of combined service.
"They are happy, friendly people who are always in a good mood. They tend to complement each other," Andrews said.
Doris started volunteering in 1987 to be "helpful."
She was joined in 1991 by Art, who wanted to work with his wife, Andrews said.
When they are not at the help desk, the couple roams the terminals or baggage claim area to help travelers.
When their shift ends at 1 p.m., Art and Doris walk out of the airport -- hand in hand -- to the shuttle bus that takes them back to their car.
"They are so in love with each other," she said.
Travelers Aid of the I.E. was established in July 1984 to help visiting athletes and foreigners arriving at ONT for that year's Summer Olympics, Andrews said.
Travelers Aid of the I.E. became an independent nonprofit in 1992 from its counterpart at Los Angeles International Airport.
Last week, Los Angeles World Airports, which manages both LAX and ONT, announced it was ending its 61-year relationship with the LAX-based Travelers Aid Society.
But Andrews assured the public that the nonprofit is not leaving ONT anytime soon.
Andrews said the ONT chapter is <NO1>currently <NO>under a three-year contract with LAWA.
The nonprofit also receives funding from cities, such as Ontario and Upland, as well as community organizations.
In 2010, 80 volunteers at the information desks in the terminals assisted over 88,000 passengers -- about 15,000 hours of volunteered service.
Just last month, ONT volunteers responded to 350 requests for assistance, Andrews said.
To volunteer, visit www.<QJ0>
travelersaidie.org or call 909-544-5478.
About this blog
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| Liset Márquez has covered the city of Ontario for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin since 2008. She started the OntarioNow blog in August 2008. To contact Liset, leave a comment on this blog or send an e-mail to Liset Marquez |
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