Donated car provides Fall River man transportation and a way to move forward

Car prices have hovered around record highs for over a year, leaving many people unable to afford safe and reliable vehicles. Fortunately for a Fall River man, a donated car is bringing relief from his transportation struggles and helping him move forward in life.

Paul Ouellette Jr. was awarded a 1998 Honda Accord from the car-donation nonprofit Good News Garage. The organization was founded in Vermont in 1996 as one of the nation’s first charitable car donation programs. Over the last 25 years, it has helped car donors give over 5,500 vehicles to neighbors in need, putting them on the road to self-sufficiency.

Good News Garage says the transportation barriers created by high car prices affect all aspects of people’s lives, from obtaining steady employment, to bringing their kids to medical appointments and after-school activities. The organization also says the need for donated vehicles is at a critical level. Donations are down and being far outpaced by the demand and need for reliable used cars.

“While we can’t solve the car shortage, we can certainly help some of those who are being hit the hardest,” said Cash Cranson, director of operations at Good News Garage. “However, our ability to help is limited by the number of car donations we receive. During this difficult time, choosing to donate your car is an act of kindness and compassion that makes a huge, immediate impact.”

Good News Garage awards cars to Massachusetts residents through a partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Car recipients must be employed or have a written plan for employment and meet other qualifying criteria. This program is administered out of Good News Garage’s Manchester, New Hampshire office.

For more information or to donate, visit www.GoodNewsGarage.org.