Auto centers donate vehicle for holiday giveaway

MAT-SU — One deserving Mat-Su individual or family will win a quality pre-owned vehicle just in time for Christmas thanks to “Wheels of Hope,” a new program sponsored by Alaska Family Services Inc. and the Mat-Su Valley NAPA Auto Care Center Owners Group.

Local NAPA owners donated the 2000 Ford Explorer featured in the giveaway. They also inspected the vehicle and gave it a thorough tune-up, as well as new tires, breaks and a new water pump.

“Overall, the vehicle is just in excellent shape. It should be fairly trouble-free,” said Brian Lansdale, president of the owners group.

Alaska Family Services, a local nonprofit agency, will select the winning family.

“We’re looking for someone from the Mat-Su Borough who is down on their luck and in dire need of a vehicle,” said Donn Bennice, Alaska Family Services president and chief executive officer.

“Wheels of Hope” applications will be available online by Friday at akafs.org or matsuautocare.com.

Hard copies are also available at any of the NAPA Auto Care Center in the Mat-Su Valley and at all Alaska Family Services locations.

Completed applications, along with a 150-word narrative demonstrating need, must be received by 4 p.m., Dec. 14. The car will be presented to the deserving winner on Dec. 22.

For more information, call 746-6131.