Gift of Life, Farmers Insurance and Joe Hudson Collision Offer Mom a Ride for Hope
Khayla Chambers and Jermias
MONTGOMERY, AL- The Gift of Life Foundation (GOL) and Farmers Insurance presented the keys to a car to Montgomery mother Khayla Chambers as part of GOL’s 30th Anniversary Rides of Hope Car Giveaway.
During a presentation held earlier today, Chambers, a participant in GOL’s Parents as Teachers home visitation program, received a 2013 dark gray Nissan Sentra, which was restored by Joe Hudson Collision of Tennessee at no cost.
“Back in February we were presented with an opportunity to partner with Farmers Insurance for its Rides for Hope Program to provide a vehicle for a deserving mom who needed a car not just for transportation, but to help her realize her dreams,” said GOL Executive Director Dr. Cheryl G. Davis.
“This year marks our 30th anniversary, and like Rides for Hope, Gift of Life is celebrating 30 years of offering hope to Montgomery families most at-risk for infant mortality through its programs, which empower women and their families to reduce the challenges they face, develop effective parenting skills, improve their family’s health and connect them to resources that help them increase self-sufficiency.”
Farmers Insurance and Joe Hudson Collision implements the Rides for Hope program across the country. The program is a way to donate vehicles to military veterans and other deserving families for whom reliable transportation would help improve their lives. Working in cooperation with auto repair shops, car dealerships and other companies involved in automotive repairs, Farmers provides vehicles that are repaired and eventually donated to families chosen by local social service organizations, like Gift of Life.
“Farmers Insurance is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We encourage our agents and employees to volunteer and engage in meaningful community service that makes a positive impact on local communities,” said Frank Lightsey, Farmers Insurance Guaranteed Repair Program Supervisor for the Southeast. “Our Rides for Hope Program falls directly into the strengthen communities and improving lives categories.”
Traweek Dickson, an owner of Joe Hudson Collision said for his company Rides for Hope was an important way to give back to the community.
“We want to be good corporate citizens and it was an honor to help a deserving mom. It’s our hope that when you help someone in need, that it inspires others to do the same thing,” said Dickson. “We believe this donation will help Ms. Chambers achieve her dreams.”
More than 15 GOL moms entered the contest by writing an essay explaining why they needed a car and how having reliable transportation would help them achieve their educational, employment or parenting goals. A panel made up of community partners determined the winner. No GOL staff or board members were involved in the selection process.
Chambers, who plans to return to school and study nursing, said winning the car is a tremendous blessing. She and her family have been without a car for almost a year and it has been difficult.
“When the bus isn’t available, I have to walk two miles to work and another two miles to pick up my son from daycare,” Chambers said. “I’m currently expecting, so getting to work, managing daycare for my son, plus going to school in the evenings after work would be hard to do without a car,” she said. “Winning this car will help me make a better life for myself and my children. I’m thankful to Gift of Life, Farmers Insurance and Joe Hudson for making this possible.”