Eight families receive donated cars

Just in time for the holidays, eight families now have reliable transportation thanks to the Naperville CARES Car Program.

Earlier this month, Continental Motors Group donated the eight used vehicles for CARES to give to families in need of a car to get to work or to take kids to school. This is the third year running that Continental Motors has donated vehicles to the car program.

CARES clients who received cars at the event include DuPage County resident Jennifer Davis.

Davis, a victim of domestic violence, has an 11-year-old son and works part-time. While she was offered the chance to increase her hours at work, she was unable to take on the extra time without a car. Also, without transportation, her son could not participate in extracurricular activities at school.

“This car is going to help me seek my independence,” said Davis, who received a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. “I will have some stabilization in my life and it will allow me and my son to live a more successful life. It’s such a blessing from God.”

Naperville CARES provides emergency financial assistance to families temporarily in need. The goal is to help families bridge a financial shortfall by making a payment for the rent or mortgage, car loan, insurance, child care, utilities or other essential expenses. In addition CARES offers a rent deposit program to ensure that paying a security deposit isn’t a barrier to establishing a safe household. The car program donates cars to clients who do not have transportation and repairs vehicles for clients.

“We are very grateful to the Continental Motors Group for again donating vehicles to eight families, which will help them maintain their current employment and make everyday tasks like grocery shopping, getting to school events or other family appointments easier,” Naperville CARES Executive Director Janet Derrick said. “Naperville CARES is truly blessed to have such wonderful community partners like the Continental Motor Group that support our mission.”

“We’re very happy to be able to (donate these cars),” Continental Motors Group founder John Weinberger said. “To see the (recipients’) faces makes you feel like it’s all worthwhile.”