ANTIOCH, Calif. (KGO) --
It has evolved into an event that's synonymous with Christmas, the annual car giveaway to needy families at Mike's Auto Body in Antioch.Six people anxiously awaited the unwrapping of their cars Wednesday. More than 200 applicants applied to the program that gives wheels to needy and deserving families.
"It's the true meaning of Christmas and the best way we can give back," said Ragan Ortland of Mike's Auto Body.
One of the recipients was Deanna Gonzalez, a mother of three and a domestic violence survivor. Another, Kathy Groebner, needed a car to take her 12-year-old daughter back and forth to Stanford Medical Center after the girl received a heart and lung transplant.
"We got two of the best things in life our daughter is still alive and we have a way of taking care of her," Groebner said.
Former Marine Tito Ramos lost his car to an uninsured motorist. Ramos needs the car to go to school where he's studying to be a police officer.
In the trunk of every car were Christmas presents for the families.
Sal Contreras of Mike's Auto Body has been in charge of the program for 14 years and has given away 52 cars. He reads every application and he said the thing that surprises him the most is how many families are in need.
All of the cars that were donated to Mike's Auto Body were destroyed and then redeemed. Local companies donated parts and employees gave their time to help rebuild the cars. Local insurance agents also donated coverage.
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Source : http://abc7news.com/automotive/antioch-auto-shop-donates-6-rebuilt-cars-to-needy-families/441296/
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