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This week two single moms, Michelle Fletcher and Ann Carroll,
learned that they would have wheels again that would help them get
to work, get kids around, buy groceries, get to appointments and
shop.
It was the letters that Fletcher and Carroll wrote that helped in
the selection process.
Tony Cameron from the Department of Human Services was called on
to assist in choosing someone who was on public aid and in special
circumstances with limited resources.
Fletcher is the mother of four children, ages 12, 11, 9 and 6.
She works part time at Midwest Records Storage and is a student
anticipating graduation in August with a bachelor's degree in
criminal law.
Three of Fletcher's children live with her. Her youngest lives
with his dad in Missouri. It was taking half of her income to rent a
vehicle to go get her son for visits. When she could, she borrowed
vehicles from friends and fellow church members at Lincoln Church of
God.
Pastor Don Hoover was happy to see her chosen. She really needs
it, he said.
Soft-spoken Ann Carroll didn't stop smiling a quiet smile during
the whole presentation gathering that took place at Collision
Concepts on Thursday.
Carroll has worked at Carroll Catholic School as a cook for 15
years and helps with their after-school program. She has four grown
children and two children still living at home. It has been a
struggle for her to get to work, and she's been unable to take her
youngest, a daughter, to school. Her grown children -- married and
with jobs and children of their own -- help when they can, and her
Lincoln College son helps out too. With the car, she will be able to
take her daughter to school, drive to work, and on the days that she
doesn't stay for the after-school program that she helps with,
she'll pick up her grandchildren and spend time with them.
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Erv and Cindy Guyett of Collision Concepts began the giveaway and
are the major contributors. Erv said that it is natural in the auto
refurbishing business to have opportunity to acquire a vehicle.
There is now a cooperative that helps get the autos, and this year a
number of other businesses asked to participate.
The recipients were each given a car with a full tank of gas, gas
cards, the beginning of insurance for the year, registration for the
car, a one-year maintenance program and other gifts.
Erv said that his wife, Cindy, was the nuts and bolts of the
program. She did all the coordinating this year.
Guyett said that he's been asked how long he intends to continue
doing this, "I'm committed to keep doing it and not stop as long as
I'm in business," he said.
Collision Concepts is located at the corner of 1005 Macon St. and
Woodlawn Road on Lincoln's west side.
Fletcher received a four-door 2000 Chevy Cavalier.
Carroll received a four-door 1999 Chevy Cavalier.
Businesses contributing to the gifts:
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Bank of Springfield
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Brickey Printing and
Photography
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Chris Coyne State
Farm Insurance
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Cracker Barrel
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Deron Powell State
Farm Insurance
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Enterprise Rent-A-Car
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Glenn Brunk
Stationers
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Graue Chevrolet
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Grieme Insurance
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J&S Auto Centre
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Keystone Automotive
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Lincoln IGA
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Modern Brake and
Alignment
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PPG
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Rick Hamm State Farm
Insurance
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SVT Auto Glass
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Walgreens
[Jan
Youngquist] |
