Hero: Richard and Arlyss Haug

Secret identity: volunteer drivers

Base of operations: Ride Services, Albert Lea

Superpowers: The couple enjoys meeting new people and visiting with them as they drive to their appointments at various clinics in southern Minnesota.

Kryptonite: going on early-morning appointments

Affiliations: one son, one daughter, five grandchildren

Origin: The Haugs, who have lived in Clarks Grove for 40 years, started volunteering four years ago with Ride Services in Albert Lea.

Through Ride Services, a program under Senior Resources, volunteers mainly drive people age 60 and older who need transportation to appointments, though they also provide services to people on medical assistance, too. In the Haugs’ case, Richard usually drives, while Arlyss comes along for extra support.

The Haugs said they mainly take people to appointments at various medical clinics in Albert Lea, Austin and at the Mayo Clinic. While they said the volunteer job gives them something to do, it also gives them a positive feeling.

“Volunteering, you just feel so good,” Arlyss said. “Sometimes, these people, they need help so bad. After you get home, your heart just feels so good.”

Prior to their retirements, Richard managed the Clarks Grove Creamery, and Arlyss had a beauty shop in Clarks Grove.