In May 2015, The New York Times published a story about the importance of transportation for those working to improve the quality of life for their families. The article referenced a Harvard study that identified commuting time as the strongest factor in escaping poverty. According to Nathaniel Hendren, a Harvard economist, transportation is more of a contributing factor to social mobility than several other factors, including crime and elementary school test scores. At The Patch, we have seen how reliable transportation can change lives, and we were thrilled to partner with Oxmoor Auto Group, Progressive Insurance and the National Auto Body Council for the Recycled Rides program for the third year!
Gloria’s children with Oxmoor COO Del Farmer, Cabbage Patch Executive Director Tracy Holladay and the Oxmoor Collision Center team.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, 15 Oxmoor Collision Center technicians completed more than 50 hours of volunteer work to transform a damaged vehicle to its brand-new state for the Recycled Rides giveaway. When asked who among our Patch Parents was deserving of a refurbished 2012 Toyota Camry, we immediately thought of Gloria. Gloria is the kind of mother who picks up her oldest daughter, A Cabbage Patch College Scholar, from her third shift job at 4 a.m. so she won’t have to walk home from the bus stop. Gloria’s other two children are enthusiastic participants in Cabbage Patch programs, and Gloria is at each Patch Parent meeting with a smile. When the family car broke down for good just as the weather was getting cold, Gloria was really faced with a dilemma, having lost her reliable transportation.
Gloria checks out her new ride!
When the tarp was removed and Gloria was presented with the cherry red Camry, she was all smiles. “I’m lost for words!” she said, and encouraged her children to get in and explore their new ride. We are so thankful for our friends at Oxmoor, Progressive and the National Auto Body Council for helping us change the life of this extraordinary family!
* To view a video featuring Gloria’s Cabbage Patch story, click HERE