Donated car gives West Charleston mother a way forward

WEST CHARLESTON — Gas prices and inflation are only the most recent struggle. Record-high car prices have persisted for over a year, leaving many people unable to afford safe and reliable vehicles.

Fortunately for a West Charleston mother, a donated car is bringing relief from her transportation struggles and enabling her family to move forward in life.

Sadie Chandler was awarded a 2008 Toyota Prius from the car-donation nonprofit Good News Garage.

Upon receiving the car, Chandler wrote the car donor a note saying, “Our family appreciates this very much. The timing was perfect. We had been struggling with transportation in the NEK. Thank you so much.”

The organization was founded in Vermont in 1996 as one of the nation’s first charitable car donation programs.

Over the last 25 years, it has helped car donors give over 5,500 vehicles to neighbors in need, putting them on the road to self-sufficiency.

Good News Garage says a national car shortage is driving up the prices for new and used cars to record highs.

Many low-income individuals and families are unable to afford reliable vehicles, which brings their lives to a screeching halt.

The organization also says the need for donated vehicles is at a critical level. Donations are down and being far outpaced by the demand and need for reliable used cars.

“While we can’t solve the car shortage, we can certainly help some of those who are being hit the hardest,” said Cash Cranson, director of operations at Good News Garage. “However, our ability to help is limited by the number of car donations we receive. During this difficult time, choosing to donate your car is an act of kindness and compassion that makes a huge, immediate impact.”

Good News Garage awards cars to Vermont residents through a partnership with the state’s Reach Up agency.

Car recipients must be Reach Up participants to qualify for cars.