A Full Circle Moment – Laura’s Story
March 21, 2025Written by: Laura M., Vehicles for Change Car Donor
As 2020 came to a close, I found myself increasingly reflective, especially about how incredibly fortunate my family had been throughout the pandemic. Despite the challenges so many were facing, both my husband and I were able to keep jobs that were not negatively impacted. At the same time, we had the joy of raising our toddler while also anticipating the arrival of our second baby in 2021. In a year marked by uncertainty and hardship for countless families, we were deeply aware of just how blessed we truly were.
How Fast Things Can Change
Throughout it all, my 2011 Honda Civic had been a reliable and steady companion for our family. Over the years, it carried us through multiple moves, including an overseas assignment in the Middle East. As a military family, constant relocation is simply part of life, and this car had quietly witnessed—and supported—many chapters of our story. Most memorably, and perhaps most meaningfully, it was the car that brought our first baby home from the hospital.
One day, I came across an article about how the pandemic disproportionately impacted people relying on transportation. For individuals who were immuno-compromised, every bus or subway ride posed a serious health risk. The story stayed with me. As a new mom, I knew firsthand how much easier life was when you had reliable transportation. I kept thinking, what would I do without a car?
At the end of the year, we received word that we’d be moving overseas again—this time to Japan. Unfortunately, bringing our car along wasn’t an option. As a result, we began making preparations for an international move, and in the midst of that process, I realized I had an important choice to make about our car. I could sell it or I could do something more meaningful with it.
A Car Donation with Purpose
The more I thought about it, the clearer the answer became. Instead of letting it go casually, I wanted this car to become a lifeline for someone else. I couldn’t shake the image of a mom like me—someone who needed a reliable car to get to work, to daycare, and everywhere in between—struggling without one. After all, having access to a vehicle can change someone’s entire trajectory. The more I reflected on that, the more powerful the idea felt. I imagined how empowering it would be to know that this car, which had served my family so well, could now open doors for someone else.
Then, one late-night Google search led me to Vehicles for Change. Almost immediately, it felt like fate when I realized they accepted donations nationwide. From that moment on, there was no hesitation. I knew this was exactly where my car was meant to go.
A Powerful Donation
In the meantime, we held onto the Civic until just days before our departure overseas. Driving it to its final destination was bittersweet. After all, it was still in great condition and had been such a constant presence in our lives. Even so, I also understood the power of what I was giving. This car wasn’t just a vehicle; rather, it was an opportunity. It was independence. It was hope.
Although I may never know the full story of the person who received our car, I like to imagine them driving it with joy. Hopefully, it’s helping them get to work, drop their kids off at school, and experience a little more freedom in their daily life.
Vehicles for Change was delighted to inform Laura that her Honda Civic was donated to a single father raising two young children.
