Some visitors receive their first impressions of Jefferson City when greeted by the dedicated volunteers of Capital City Amtrak Friends, Inc.
The volunteers formed in 2003 to keep the doors of the rail passenger station open after Amtrak budget cuts eliminated paid staff at the facility.
The friends unlock the doors to the interior waiting area in the bottom floor of the Union Hotel, allowing passengers to escape inclement weather while waiting or after disembarking.
They offer greetings and information about Jefferson City for the 40,000 rail travelers who stop at the station annually. Because they are not Amtrak employees, they do not answer questions about ticketing or costs.
Over the years, volunteer interest in the program has waned, and the group is seeking to add to its ranks.
"I hope the volunteer program will not close," said Byron Buhr, a founding member who retired this week. "I hope we get new, younger volunteers."
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer may contact Judy Towson at 634-4252.
The group strives to open the station a half-hour before the arrival of each train, a task that has been eased significantly with improvements in on-time arrivals.
The on-time arrival rate now is about 80 percent, according to volunteer Milt Hoskins, in comparison to a paltry 8 percent only a few years ago.
The welcome provided by volunteers has been known to extend to compassion and service.
The friends maintain a modest fund to help people in need of food, a warm coat in winter or overnight accommodations.
We commend the volunteer ambassadors who give their time and energy to greet and welcome visitors to our community.