Providence, RI -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/07/2011 -- Good News Garage, a program of Lutheran Social Services, has received its 100th vehicle donated by Rhode Island residents. The vehicle marks a milestone for Good News Garage, which officially launched operations in the Ocean State in November 2009. The 100th vehicle is significant: positive proof that the residents of Rhode Island believe in the potential of Good News Garage to truly impact the lives of its residents who struggle to earn a living due to the lack of transportation.
Good News Garage accepts and repairs donated vehicles, then awards the vehicles to families striving to become financially self-sufficient. Clients use the vehicles to commute to and from work, drive their children to childcare and extracurricular activities, and access medical care, affordable housing and more. Since 1996, Good News Garage has matched more than 3,800 donated vehicles with low-income families. Good News Garage serves residents in all six New England states.
The mission of Good News Garage is to provide safe and reliable transportation options for people in need. Pastor Dana Reardon of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Warwick, is familiar with, and a strong supporter of, this life-changing mission, She was instrumental in bringing Good News Garage to Rhode Island. Pastor Reardon has worked tirelessly to make the donated wheels program available to Rhode Island residents.
“I was convinced Rhode Island needed Good News Garage and was determined to bring the program here. Transportation is not a luxury, but a true necessity in Rhode Island. Without reliable transportation, getting to and from work and providing for a family, can be nearly impossible. The 100th donated car just proves that, like me, there are many others who believe in the good work of Good News Garage.”
Good News Garage celebrates its 15th birthday this fall. An open house birthday party will be held on Wednesday, October 12t from 4pm-6pm at All Saints Memorial Church in Providence (674 Westminster Street). The event will be a two-fold celebration of Good News Garage at 15and Lutheran Social Services at 140 years of serving and caring for people in need. The event is open to the public and all are welcome.
Good News Garage is currently accepting applications from Rhode Island residents interested in obtaining a vehicle. For information, contact Kristin Beck at 860.218.2970, extension 4#.
To learn more about Good News Garage or to donate a car, visit http://www.GoodNewsGarage.org, call toll-free 877.GIVE.AUTO (877.338.4288), or connect with Good News Garage on Facebook and Twitter.