The City of Norwich and the state acted together to keep the engines running for a popular that has active seniors chauffeur those who can’t drive themselves.

The Volunteers from the Heart program was placed in jeopardy when the state Department of Social Services cut the program’s $50,000 funding as part of a broader effort to cope with a growing state deficit.

But the city and Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s office worked out a plan to split the difference, with each contributing $25,000 to salvage the program.

The drivers, who are all senior volunteers, get paid a flat $4 per trip. They get no reimbursement for mileage or parking. Two employees of the United Community and Family Services coordinate the program.

The drivers take homebound seniors to medical appointments and on food shopping trips.