Changing Gears, Changing Lives: How Vehicle Donations Empowered Two Determined Single Mothers
Through generous vehicle donations and community collaboration, two hardworking single mothers were able to shift their trajectories and build brighter futures for their families.
Vehicle Donations Provide Deserving Moms with New Sets of Wheels
For single mothers Maria Ibarra and Celina De La Torre, a reliable vehicle was a necessity they struggled to afford. Both participants in Orange County United Way’s SparkPoint OC financial empowerment program, they were juggling jobs, children, and making every penny count. Little did they know, an unexpected turn would make the road ahead a bit smoother.
Putting the Brakes on Maria’s Commute Worries
A housekeeping supervisor at Marriott and single mother of two, Maria joined SparkPoint OC with the goal of reducing her debt and increasing her savings. Her biggest headache was an aging, unreliable car that required costly repairs that she could no longer swing. Thanks to her SparkPoint OC case manager’s nomination, Maria’s car troubles disappeared when she was selected to receive a vehicle donation of a 2019 Hyundai Sonata, thanks to GEICO and the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program.
Crash Champions Ontario and Fix Auto Brea, played a big role as well, refurbishing the vehicles to like new condition.
“Thank you to all the organizations and all the people who make dreams come true,” said Maria. “I was so worried and anxious before, but receiving this vehicle donation has changed my life for the better in so many ways. We have more flexibility in our routine now that we have reliable transportation and it has alleviated so much stress. I don’t have enough words to say how appreciative I am to everyone who makes these heartfelt programs possible.”
Celina Pays it Forward Causing Gears to Shift
SparkPoint OC also empowered Celina, a single mother of two, to get on the road to financial stability. She joined with the intention of learning to budget her income, reduce expenses, keep up with rent, and save for the future. Once she found a feasible way to track and cut her expenses, her goal was to fix her truck’s mechanical issues, sell her car, and use the funds to purchase a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle.
A few months later, Celina learned that one of her close friends was struggling as a newly single mom of four with no reliable transportation. Although Celina had just saved enough to repair the transmission and sell the truck, she decided to give it to her friend instead, agreeing to be paid whenever possible and asked for no money up front.
Without her truck, Celina and her son had to share his car while she explored ways to save for a used car. Unbeknownst to her, Celina’s SparkPoint OC case manager had nominated her for a vehicle donation as well. Celina was selected to receive a 2020 Mazda CX-5.
“This car has been a great help for my children and for me,” said Celina. “Not only is it safer and more reliable, but it has helped us save money on gas and insurance too. I am grateful every day and I will never get tired of thanking this program for all your help.”
It’s a Green Light for Vehicles Gifted Through Recycled Rides
Both the Hyundai Sonata and Mazda CX-5 were gifted by GEICO through their partnership with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program, which aims to change lives by teaming up with collision industry colleagues to refurbish and donate vehicles to deserving individuals and service organizations in need.
“GEICO’s participation in the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program demonstrates our commitment to serving our communities, our culture of caring, and to unique ways we help people when they need us most,” said LaDonna Bond, Head of DEI, GEICO. “We were excited for the opportunity to team up with United Way, a proud partner of over 40 years, to make life a little bit easier by providing the gift of transportation.”
The vehicles were gifted at the 2024 Women’s Industry Network Conference, held in Newport Beach, CA. This annual conference convenes women in the collision repair industry to promote education, professional advancement, and networking.
Thanks to these generous vehicle donations, Maria and Celina now have the reliable transportation they need and can steer their focus toward creating brighter futures for their families.
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