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February 01, 2006
Van Donation Update February 1, 2006
Last week, a very generous donor provided the HDHM Ministry with a free Van valued at $10,000 to improve the life of a most needy family. After the committee reviewed all 20 family profiles submitted, it was decided to grant this vehicle to a single mom who wrote the profile below. We have edited out any personal identification to protect her privacy. This was a very difficult task by the committee as all candidates deserved this vehicle but unfortunately there was only one unit. If you would like a Tax Deduction and would be willing to donate a working auto, we have 19 other families in need of vital transportation. Thank you.
Dear Mr. Brady and Selection Committee Members,
First, let me open by saying that the idea of some wonderful person donating such a vehicle blows my mind. Some day I hope to be on that end of the deal. By that I mean, to be able to help somebody’s everyday life in such a HUGE way.
Next, if there is a family who needs this right now more than mine, please make sure they get this gift, because God has always given me what I need when I needed it and so maybe at this time my need is not as great... but in case it is, here is my situation:
I do have a car at present. It is an old car with 168,000 miles on it. I was told recently by the mechanic that my transmission is going and that I should start to look for something else. The problem is that I need either a wagon or mini van because my wheel chair has to be kept in the back and it is too difficult for me to lift in or out of a trunk. Additionally, a wonderful woman died and left her electric scooter to me which has made my life much easier. I can now do my own errands, scoot my way around my daughter’s campus during parents’ weekend and even go shopping on my own. However, in order to fit the scooter into the back of my wagon, we have to remove the seat and the basket, which is fine when I am not alone, but I cannot seem to manage the assembly by myself because of the limitations in my hands, making me dependent again (ugh!). The mini van would solve this problem, because it could be rolled up a ramp into the back fully assembled.
Also, this van has power locks and windows which are more then a convenience for me. I can not always roll down manual windows making it very difficult when approaching a toll. The second problem is that we exist solely on my social security check. I am now trying to work part-time because with my daughter turning 18, the amount I receive monthly has been reduced, leaving not enough to cover living expenses. Physically I can not do much for too long but thankfully I can work some. There is just absolutely no extra money to buy a car. This would be a God-send.
I am a single mom with two teenagers. The oldest is away enjoying her first year at college, (she received a full scholarship for high grades and financial need) the younger is enduring his first year of high school. I was injured more than 11 years ago in a car accident and suffered a spinal cord injury which left me as a quadriplegic, but I function independently. I can walk, for short distances with the aid of a cane and drive, as long as it is an automatic. My hands are very limited, but I have all kinds of gadgets to aid me in everyday life and when there is no gadget, I have my children. For most of the years since my injury, my daughter was my “Home Health Care Aid”. Now that she is gone off to college my son has tried to step into that role. It is a time of great adjustments and we are both putting forth our best effort although at times it is trying!
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
Thank you for doing all the great things that you do.
Posted by hdhm at February 1, 2006 07:41 PM