Three single moms are now able to get to work and care for their families without worrying about how they will get there because of the Free2B! car donation program. Another three cars were repaired, and each car has its own story.
The Mercy Unity Foundation provided money to Free2B! to sponsor a Car Care Saturday, but also provided assistance for individuals who are seniors or on disability and rely on their own transportation so they can make their medical appointments and remain in their own homes.
It was fitting that the sponsor for the Free2B! Car Care Saturday was Mercy Unity Foundation. One of the recipients of a car repair was too ill because of her reaction to her chemotherapy, so her family brought her car in to have it evaluated. While others were caring for her medical needs, one of the volunteers repaired her car. This volunteer was a medical doctor who also races in NASCAR and is very competent with car repairs. As her condition improves, she will have the freedom to make her medical appointments without having to rely on family members to get her there.
Receiving donated cars were Candice Kastel and Martha Musavyimana of Coon Rapids, and Jessica Esko of Fridley.
Candace received a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue that was repaired two weeks prior by the Car Care Saturday volunteers. Volunteers replaced the brakes all around the car, as well as the sway bar and a control arm bushing. One of the volunteers who worked on this car is an orthopedic surgeon.
Martha received a 1994 Nissan Maxima that was repaired by Victory Auto. They replaced the brakes, battery, and the steering column.
Jessica received a 1994 Plymouth Acclaim that had only 35,789 miles on it. Because of the little use and few miles, the vehicle lost compression in the engine. Brent Rehm, a part time employee at Victory Auto, asked if he could take the engine apart and rebuild it so we could give the car away. Brent did this on his own time for about a month, and Jessica now has a low mileage car.
The mission of Free2B! is “Providing Car Care to Enable Independence.” To donate a car contact Free2B! at 763-717-7755 or check out Free2B! on the web at www.freetobeinc.org.
