Need a ride? It's time to Win a Car for Christmas
"I can't believe this is our fourth year," explained Lee Ann Miller, who came up with the idea and has since spearheaded the effort to keep it going throughout the years. But before anyone tries to give her all the credit, Miller is quick to note, "This is a community giveaway. It's not just me, it's not just Graphic Publications, and it's not just Chuck Nicholson. This whole thing has been put together to make a difference in somebody's life and to show the heart of generosity, not as individuals, but as a community."
It's true that Win a Car for Christmas wouldn't be possible without the generous financial support from 23-plus local businesses involved. The effort is designed to provide for someone who desperately needs a vehicle, maybe because they have none, have one that is not road-worthy or their current car inhibits their lifestyle in some drastic way, allowing them to finally get a break, and blessing, in life.
"Ultimately, this is about life change," explained GPI President, Michael Mast. "Transportation is so vital to a person's ability to lead a successful life: As a parent or caretaker, as an employee or wage earner, to provide for yourself and your loved ones. Transportation is closely linked to having the ability to carry out the most basic tasks and providing the most basic needs. When a person doesn't have reliable transportation, it becomes a real barrier, and helping break through that barrier is a real game changer in the lives of that person and their family."
Win a Car for Christmas is for those who may be experiencing the most trying time in their life, with the concept that if provided with a new vehicle, they may be able to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Whatever circumstances they may have encountered before, may seem less daunting today with the extra support they receive from owning a reliable vehicle.
Miller believes that being able to afford to give a car away to someone in need is not just fun and exciting, but a privilege. "I think for me, and I think for the panel of people who choose the winner, it's a privilege to watch the impact something like this has on changing the quality and direction of someone's life. We underestimate the influence we have on other people's lives. We need to impact the world around us."
So do you think you could Win a Car for Christmas? It's simple and easy to sign up for your chance at the blessing. Each of the Graphic Publications, Inc. websites has a link on the home page, directing visitors to a form in which they can write and submit directly online, download and print to send the form by mail, or upload their own entry in a word document. The contest runs from Nov. 21 through Dec. 5 and all entries must be received within that time frame. From those entries, several finalists will be selected and interviewed by a panel, and the final recipient will be announced Dec. 22.
"We give the car away on Dec. 22, and on that day, I would just love for people to come out and watch somebody win a car! It's pretty amazing," explained Miller.
So good luck and get writing. You can enter online on our home page or click this link and off you go! You will be redirected to the Holmes County Bargain Hunter website, but don't worry, all entries from this site are valid, no matter where your address is in any of our coverage area counties.Maybe you're the next one to Win a Car for Christmas.
Generous donations for Win a Car for Christmas have been made from the following sponsors:
Adventure Harley-Davidson
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant
Chuck Nicholson Auto Superstore
Coblentz Chocolate Company
Dutchman Hospitality, Inc.
Fryburg Door
Graphic Publications, Inc.
Helping Hands Quilt Shop
Hummel Group
Keim Lumber
Melway Paving Co.
Miller Haus Bed & Breakfast
Mullet Cabinet
Newhouse Printing
P. Graham Dunn
Pissocra-Mathias Realty
Schlabach Printers
Sugar Valley Meats
Swiss Valley Furniture
The Commercial & Savings Bank
Troyer's Country Market
Walnut Creek Cheese
Weaver Barns
Published: November 21, 2011
