The Bonney Lake Senior Center will be facing a fundraising situation soon, as it figures out how to afford a new shuttle van for transporting its members.

The van, which has been decorated and filled with stuffed animals by its riders through the years, is used for both everyday transportation of senior center members and special trips. Senior Aide Phil DeLeo, the man who typically drives the bus, estimated that it racks up 100 miles every day.

The good news is that the bus, which was purchased new in 2000, will likely remain operable for five more years, DeLeo said.

“However, (the van) costs quite a bit, so we’re planning to collect funds now.”

Due to the high mileage—about 140,000—on the vehicle, the city has considered placing a moratorium on long range travel within a certain radius, which would put a temporary end to sightseeing trips DeLeo plans for center members. A moratorium hasn’t been put into place yet, but DeLeo has been instructed not to plan any trips east of the Cascade mountains, he said.

Possible avenues for fundraising include raffles and donations. The center already has a local woodcarver willing to donate the proceeds from a statue toward a bus.

For information about the van or to donate toward a new one, call the Bonney Lake Senior Center at 253-863-7658.