545 100 Vehicles Given Away …So Far
It is time to throw a really big party!
Like when America turned 200. When we served our 1,000,000th meal at the Poverello Center. The day I completed a 40 day fast. (God has yet to return the butt I lost during that fast). When Clothgirl turned 18. When the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ended …well, we’ll keep praying for that party.
This time the big occasion is that we’re about to give away the 100th vehicle in the Clothman Car Giveaway. That’s right, 100 vehicles given to needy families and individuals! I can hardly believe it.
I remember car #1. It was Tuffy, our 1980 Toyota Tercel that Clothwoman bought new before she even met me. When we were giving it away it dawned on me that other folks might be out there who have a vehicle like Tuffy which they would like to give away instead of trading it in or selling it. To find out, I wrote a column just like this.
I was flabbergasted when ten people from Western Montana responded. That’s when I knew I had a tiger by the tail and this was going to be bigger than I thought. While some of the vehicles have given up the ghost, most are still delivering needy people to work, to doctor’s appointments, to school events, etc. Some vehicles, like Tuffy, have made the ultimate sacrifice.
One day, Tuffy was setting in front of his new family’s home just minding his own business when a lawn service truck came by and violently attacked him. The truck driver (a brand new employee) got way too close and a valve on the truck sliced Tuffy open from bumper to bumper like a Christmas turkey. It was quick. It was tragic.
What’s worse, or in this case better, the young employee after seeing what he did, proceeded to flee the scene of the attack; but not before an observant neighbor wrote down the truck’s company name and license plate number. The company’s owner was mortified and offered Tuffy’s new family a settlement that allowed them to purchase a newer Toyota pick-up which they drive to this day …in memory of Tuffy.
This marks the fifth Clothman Car Giveaway column I have written in November to remind y’all about this great team effort. And this week I’ll be giving away vehicle #96, Earl, a 1985 Subaru Wagon. Like all the vehicles before him Earl will be filled to the brim with fuel and accompanied by a $50 gift certificate for groceries (sometimes more when we can).
None of this would have been possible if not for all you generous Clothreaders who have donated vehicles and money for the gas, groceries and minor repairs. There have also been several local businesses and non-profit organizations which have been amazingly supportive.
Only four more vehicles and we will be at the incredible number of 100. That means, party time!! And don’t you know a Clothparty is not one you want to miss. Lord willing, in next month’s column I’ll have all the details of when and where we will give away vehicle #100.
In the mean time, if you have a vehicle you’d like to donate or would like to help with gas, groceries and minor repairs, please call the Clothphone at (406) 549-9744. Or email me at the address below. Let’s continue to make Western Montana an even better place to live, together.
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