Many people say that the Christmas season is a season of giving, and that is just what a group of businesses and their employees did on Friday during a special luncheon and Christmas Car Giveaway at Robarge Collision in Spanish Fork. Joellyn Booker and her son, LJ, who has Down syndrome, were presented with a 2010 Hyundai Sonata, donated by many local businesses in the community.
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| Spanish Fork businesses come together to donate car to single mother |
"Oh my gosh," said Booker, when she was presented with the car. "Really, are you serious?"
Booker was speechless, which she claims she never is, when she and LJ were given the car full of gifts including groceries, household items and gift cards.
"We have been waiting for a car, but we just can't afford it," said Booker, to those in attendance. "You can't understand the impact this will have. God reaches down and uses you as his hands."
Booker, who currently lives in Spanish Fork, had recently moved back from Florida. She gave up a good job and her home to move to Florida to live near her daughter. Upon arriving in Florida, Booker quickly realized that her daughter was trying to get custody of LJ to get his Social Security Insurance. When Booker found out, she packed up and moved back to Utah. She was hired by UTA, where she is employed as a bus driver.
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Spanish Fork businesses come together to donate car to single mother
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This was the sixth car that Cary and Judy Robarge, along with Matt Barber and his wife, Rochelle Barber, have coordinated repairing and donating. The cars that are used are typically total loss cars. Vendors donate parts and staff members at local businesses donate labor to get the car in new shape.
This year, the Brett Harward family donated the wrecked car. Parts were provided by Murdock Hyundai, Keystone Automotive, NAPA Auto Parts and Safelite Autoglass. Robarge Collision provided the body and paint repairs; Dickerson Automotive provided the mechanical repairs and service; and Big O Tires provided the tires and brakes. Wiggy Wash, Western States Insurance and Brenton and Darlene Hatch also provided funds for the vehicle.
The Barbers coordinated this year's recipient.
"We try to find someone to give a car to that would be the least expecting but the most deserving person," said Matt Barber, who coordinates the recipients each year. "Joellyn is someone who is an amazing person who helps out so much in the community, but could use a hand herself."
Booker has always been involved in community service. She helps cook for the homeless and helps addicts on the road to recovery by giving them a place to live until they are on their feet. She currently drives a huge van that is in constant need of repair, has high mileage and gets poor gas mileage.
"Watching the reaction of the person who receives the car is why I do this," said Zack Dickerson, with Dickerson Automotive. "Seeing the happiness and joy and the gratitude is a great feeling and it makes you want to give back."
For both the Robarges and the Barbers the donation day is the best day of the year.
"This is my favorite day of the year," said Judy Robarge. "I feel privileged and honored to give something to someone who is so well-deserving."
"This is the highlight of our season," said Matt Barber. "This whole event is why I live here and why I do business here. This time of year makes it easier to have the Christmas spirit and to want to give of our selves. This event represents that spirit."
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