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OREM — Several Utah County business pulled together to surprise a single mother with a good-as-new car on Thursday.
Liz Melde, from Salt Lake City, had no idea what was about to happen when she arrived at Martins Collision Repair in Orem on Thursday.
Melde works two jobs and has two kids, including 5-year-old Jackson. He has severe medical issues which requires that he be within a 20-minute drive to the hospital. Her old car broke down a few months ago, so the new wheels bring peace of mind. And she wasted no time in hugging the workers who made it happen.
Friends and family were helping out, then some good Samaritans came along.
“We want to say welcome, congratulations and this car is yours,” said Bear River Mutual Insurance CEO Don Adams during the presentation of the car.
Melde was shocked by the gift. But a short time later, she was behind the wheel, all smiles, driving away in her new car.
“It’s times like this when you realize that you’ve done something special for somebody that’s changed their lives,” Adams said. “And it’s gratifying to see that they are really grateful.”
Since 2009, Bear River Mutual Insurance has taken a client's automobile that's been totaled, restored it and then worked with local organizations to find a family who needed but couldn't afford to buy a car.
Martins Collision Repair of Orem became involved with the project two years ago. They use donated parts, labor and some cash to transform junkers to look brand new.
“It makes us feel really good,” said Thiago Martins, of GM Collision Repair. “We know how to fix a car properly. And it’s really exciting to be able to give to someone in need, especially when you hear their stories.”
This is the sixth car in five years that Bear River has given to families in need, and there will be more in the future.
“I’m so grateful. They put in overtime to make this happen and I just have too much gratitude,” Melde said.
