River Valley Misfit Jeeps offers free rides across the area
“We built these Jeeps to go play in. We go off-road with them, but it’s nice to be able to showcase what they really do to the people who really need help.”
FORT SMITH, Ark — A group of local volunteers is shifting into high gear to help during this stretch of winter weather — no matter how treacherous the roads become.
The River Valley Misfit Jeeps, a Facebook group with more than 800 members, has been working around the clock, offering free rides to essential workers, the elderly, and anyone else in need during the winter storms.
While local emergency management officials continue to urge residents to stay home when possible, some people simply can’t avoid venturing out — whether it’s to get to work, an appointment, or even the grocery store. That’s where the Misfit Jeeps come in.
“We built these Jeeps to go play in. We go off-road with them, but it’s nice to be able to showcase what they really do to the people who really need help,” River Valley Misfit Jeeps founder Jeremy Evans said.
The idea started four years ago during another winter storm when Evans found himself stuck at home.
“My job shut down because of the cold weather and the cold snap, and we were sitting at a house and told my wife’s like, ‘There’s got to be something we can do,'” Evans said.
He turned to online forums, offering help to anyone stranded or in need of transportation, and soon realized he wasn’t alone in wanting to give back.
Since then, the group has grown into a network of dedicated volunteers who not only offer rides but also assist stranded drivers.
“If they’re stuck in a ditch, we have the recovery capability to pull them out and get them and kind of save on that towing bill, if possible,” Evans said.
On Wednesday, Karl Shell was one of the many Misfit Jeep drivers braving icy roads to help others. He gave Dylan Hiser a ride to work after Hiser’s grandmother learned about the group.
“I was going to walk to work but it’s pretty cold out so my grandma told me about Misfits,” Hiser said.
Shell said that while conditions were tricky in spots, the Jeeps’ four-wheel drive made navigating slick roads manageable.
“We get a few slick spots, especially on those generally shady areas and inclines,” he said. “I’ve lost traction a couple of times, but luckily, with four-wheel drive, it doesn’t cause too much of an issue for us.”
For Evans and other volunteers, it’s not just about the thrill of driving in challenging conditions — it’s about community.
“This is a great community, and we just love giving back to it,” Evans said.
Responding during inclement weather is only one aspect of the Misfits’ community service. They help several organizations, including Toys for Tots and Make-A-Wish, by delivering Jeep-loads of toys, clothes, and other items.
To benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, they will also be co-sponsoring the River Valley Jeep Jam alongside Walmart on May 17 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The contest will be held in Van Buren’s historic downtown.
Folks can register their Jeep between 7 a.m. to noon for a $25 entry fee. From 1 to 3 p.m., the Jeeps will be judged and awarded in various categories. For more information, click here.