How Naperville car lover helps the needy to get their own transportation

By his own admission, Doug Tulloch of Naperville loves cars. Ever since his father worked as a parts manager at an auto dealership, he has had an interest in cars and what makes them run.

But he never realized their importance or even life-changing impact until the last few years.

That's when the retired Sears administrator started volunteering for a program that now consumes him: the car donation program with Loaves & Fishes Community Services in Naperville.

Residents throughout DuPage County used to turn to Loaves & Fishes for food, but increasingly they come for a wide range of community services aimed at getting families back on their feet.

Just last year, agency officials report providing food and support to 18,798 individuals or 4,789 families.

Embedded in that "support" number is their car donation program, which Loaves & Fishes added to its repertoire in 2016, after merging with Naperville Cares.

Agency officials describe Tulloch as the "glue" that holds the program together - and the face of it to the community.

"He is the liaison between Loaves & Fishes and community members who generously donate their cars," said Michelle Iskowitz, associate director for marketing and communications for Loaves & Fishes. "He explains the process, works to transfer the paperwork, and reinforces that their very kind deed will benefit an individual or family to maintain or gain employment."

Tulloch estimates that nearly 95 cars are donated to Loaves & Fishes each year. When they come in, they are inspected "from headlights to tailpipe" and then it is Tulloch's job to decide whether to repair them or send them to auction.

"We end up giving away between 45-50 each year," Tulloch says, including eight cars each year from the Continental Motor Group in Naperville. "That's the best part of the job, when I get to call the client and tell them they're getting a car.

"I get to be the face of the program," Tulloch adds, "but I'm piggybacking off the work of a lot of other people."

There is a thorough vetting process before he makes those calls. Applicants must be working or looking for a job, have attended budgeting classes and financial planning sessions, and be able to support owning a car.

Once they are selected to receive a car, Tulloch accompanies them to the Secretary of State's office to transfer the title. While waiting in line, he hears their story and it never fails to move him.

"If I can generalize, the majority are single mothers," Tulloch says. "Often, they are borrowing a family member's car or having their mother drive them to work.

"If you think of it, there isn't a lot of public transportation in the suburbs," he adds, "so the impact of getting a car can help them get to work, and in some cases get them a better job because of it."

Agency officials say Tulloch's homespun manner - reflecting his eastern Tennessee roots - puts donors and recipients alike at ease, and consequently, the program quietly continues to grow.

"He is humble and always deflects the credit and attention, yet his gentle, knowledgeable demeanor is a key in all aspects," Iskowitz says. "We truly mean it when we say the car program can transform lives."