Local Business Donates Car to Family in Need

Project Self-Sufficiency participant Heather Draughon recently received a newly-refurbished automobile from Elite Automotive & Tire as part of the used vehicle donation program at Project Self-Sufficiency. The mother of four had been struggling to get to work and transport her children with a vehicle that kept breaking down. When she learned that she was going to receive a free car, she was very surprised. “I had been having trouble with my old car. It needed major repairs and it was unsafe for my children to be in it. I am a very hard-working person and this saves me from having to look for another car or find the money to fix the car that I have. I am very thankful. This is going to help me a lot.”

Elite Automotive & Tire owner Dave Hergert coordinated the donation of a 2002 Chrysler Sebring LX to Draughon. The local shop is a family-owned, full service auto repair center and New Jersey state inspection station. This is the facility’s second annual automobile donation to a Project Self-Sufficiency participant. “Thanks to the financial support and the donation of parts from NAPA Auto Parts, we were able to make sure the vehicle, a 2002 Chrysler Sebring LX, was at its optimal running condition, with new front and rear brakes, belt, filters, tires and even body paint,” remarked Hergert. “We once again decided to go through Project Self-Sufficiency because of their continued support of the local families of Sussex County. We trust in the organization because they are working with local families in need on a daily basis. A special ‘thank you’ to Alliance Paint & Body of Mine Hill, North Jersey Auto Wreckers, and American Tire Distributors for their donations to the betterment of this vehicle. Thank you to our loyal customers, without their continued support of our local, family-owned auto repair center we would not be in a position to give back in such a huge way.”

“It is extremely difficult to function as a family in our area without access to a reliable vehicle,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “This working mother of four children desperately needed a car, and we are delighted to be able to pass this vehicle along to her. We are tremendously grateful to Elite Automotive and Tire for their role in this effort. Project Self-Sufficiency has been fortunate to be the recipient of several vehicles from individuals and area businesses, and we will continue to welcome the donation of good quality, pre-owned vehicles from our neighbors for families in need.”

Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 20,000 families, including more than 30,000 children.

To donate a car to Project Self-Sufficiency, or to find out more about the programs and services available at the agency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.