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Waseca family receives free car from Mankato body shop
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Waseca family receives free car from Mankato body shop
MANKATO — Life just got a little bit easier for a Waseca family that received a free car Monday from Jerry’s Body Shop in Mankato.

Joshua Johnson, a single father with three boys ages 4, 2 and 1, had been without a working vehicle for more than six months. To make matters worse, he lost his job about a month ago.

“Things have been going in the other direction so much, something like this is kind of hard to believe,” Johnson said Monday as he received the keys for the car, a shiny, refurbished 1996 Buick Regal.

“I think this is spectacular,” he said.

“This will make so many things a lot easier. It’s awful tricky trying to shop for groceries with three kids and a bicycle.”

This is the second year Jerry’s Body Shop has donated a vehicle to an area family. Owners Jerry and Geralynn Kottschade said the idea arose from an industry response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The National Auto Body Council established the Recycled Rides program, which encourages members to donate refurbished vehicles to low-income families.


Johnson was selected to receive the car by staff at Minnesota Valley Action Council, a non-profit organization that provides a range of services to assist low-income families. Johnson had originally contacted the agency to inquire about MVAC’s Wheel Get There program, which uses donated cars to help struggling families obtain safe and dependable transportation.

Johnson said he was “stunned” when MVAC informed him he was going to receive a free car.

The vehicle was donated by State Farm Insurance. Several other area businesses - B&R Parts, G&L Auto, Tire Associates, Toppers Plus and Tom Bauer upholstery – contributed parts and labor. And everyone at Jerry’s Body Shop had a hand in restoring the vehicle, Geralynn Kottschade said.

“This is the best part,” she said shortly after Johnson received the car. “It’s a great way for all those involved to share their talents, and it makes that Thanksgiving meal taste a little better when you know you’ve helped someone out.”
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Welcome to the Waseca County News community. Please keep your comments civil. Don't attack other readers personally and keep your language decent. We reserve the right to delete comments at any time.

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By: Salubrious on 12/1/09
This car has been a lifesaver. I'm the boy's mother, and Joshua's ex. We've both been struggling so much since the split, this car makes it so much more manageable. Thank you to all of the businesses and individuals who made this possible.

By: forwhatitsworth on 11/27/09
It is sad that many of the "Cash for Clunkers" cars were crushed and recycled. There were many, many nice vehicles that other people like Joshua could have used. So while you that reaped the harvest and got "free money" for a clunker, think about people who could have used that "clunker" for transportation. Donate cars to organizations instead of drinking the government kool-aid. Nice job Jerry's Body Shop!

By: TheJuniper on 11/24/09
That is so good for Joshua! He is a great guy who is trying to do the best he can for his three kids. After losing his job for a particularly stupid reason, it is good to see that things are finally turning around for him.



 
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