Community Corner

Once Homeless, Family Gets A Helping Hand

Area car dealership donates vehicle to Long Branch family.

A Long Branch family now has a brighter future, thanks to a local car dealership and 180 Turning Lives Around.

Irene Smith, Tyrone Thomas and their daughter, Alicia, 6, had been living in motels for the past three years, until social services and food stamps ran out, according to a press release from Branning Collision Centers.

Branning Collision Centers restored a Chrysler Town and Country vehicle for the family as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. The dealership also received donations from Geico and other local businesses, according to the release.

Find out what's happening in Long Branch-Eatontownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, Branning hopes to give the recipient family the gift of renewed independence,” the release states.

The car was presented to the family at Branning’s Freehold location recently.

Find out what's happening in Long Branch-Eatontownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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