PORT ANGELES — A refurbished 1996 Buick Regal donated to the Peninsula College Foundation will allow Ruth Parks to take classes to finish her degree.
Parks, who received the keys to the free car in May, said there are many things that will be easier for her now that she has reliable transportation.
A resident of Port Angeles and a student in Peninsula College’s early childhood education program, Parks, 42, said saving for a car has been a challenge.
“I am on Social Security disability,” she said, “and it seems like every time I got a little money saved, another setback happened.
“It has been hard to make much progress.”
Now that she has her own car, Parks will be able to enroll in the evening courses she needs to complete her degree.
When the bus was her only means of transportation, Parks was unable to take evening classes because they ended after Clallam Transit’s last passenger pickup at the college.
“We’re very pleased the foundation has been able to make such a real difference in someone’s life,” said Mary Hunchberger, executive director of the Peninsula College Foundation and College Advancement.
Parks was one of 16 individuals who turned to the Peninsula College Foundation when they learned a car was available to a qualified applicant.
Each car donated to the foundation provides the donor with a tax write-off and the college’s automotive department with a teaching tool.
Once automotive students have refurbished the car, it becomes available to be donated to another student.
Applicants write letters to the foundation explaining their need and submit it with a recommendation, said Hunchberger.
Applicant requirements
The successful applicant also must have a driver’s license and proof of insurance, she said.
The decision is made by the head of the automotive department and two members of the foundation.
“We do it as we have cars,” Hunchberger said.
The most recent car was given to the college four years ago and has been used in automotive classes since, she said, adding that she does not know now who donated the car.
“When you have so many people who need a car, and you only have one that you can give away, it really drives home how important it is to help others whenever you can,” she added.
“We’re very grateful to the community member who donated the car and for the opportunity it gave the foundation to change someone’s life for the better.”
Hunchberger said other community members can help by donating cars they no longer drive or need and receiving a tax write-off.
“All of the cars that are received are used as teaching tools for our automotive department and, if possible, are repaired and donated to students and community members in need,” she said.
For more information or to donate a car, phone the Peninsula College Foundation at 360-417-6535.
