Help Getting a Car – Almost Too Good to Be True
October 1, 2014
She picked up her donated 2003 Honda Accord from VFC on September 26, 2014.
Walston first heard about Vehicles for Change by reading success stories about others who have participated in a VFC program. She was skeptical, though; she did not think that VFC could be a real organization. It sounded too good to be true.
“Whoever sponsored this program, I honestly and truthfully thank them,” said Walston. She remembers crying and screaming when she heard the news that she would be receiving a vehicle.
Each morning Walston commuted four hours to work, often by taxi. That took way too much money from her paycheck. Several times, cab delays caused Walston to be late to work.
When she found out about VFC, she was in danger of losing a job she had held for almost 12 years. The company needed to know they could depend on her being there on time consistently. When you depend on someone else for a ride, though, your schedule is, in large part, up to someone else.
She was in severe need of a car
Walston proclaims says this car will change her life. “For starters,” she said, “it will save my job.”
A mother of three children, Walston values time with her family. During a rough spot in life, she and the kids were homeless for several months and ended up losing the care they had at the time. Without transportation, family time can be difficult to arrange.
Her children, aged 5, 8 and 18, are planning to celebrate the new car by having a traditional family outing. It has been way too long since the family has been able to do something they treasure together: a Friday night movie outing.
In a touching “Thank you” gesture, the children each drew pictures for Deirdre, VFC’s Awards Coordinator, to thank her for her efforts in getting a car for the family.
As Walston walked out to see her donated car for the first time, she let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Thank you, God.”
“You never know when help is coming,” she said, “but it’s always coming.”
Left: Deirdre, VFC staffer, holds a “Thank you” sign that says, “I thank you so much for giving us a new car.” It was drawn by Walston’s 8-year-old son, Tovon.
