United Way's RSVP Volunteers

Pictured here is Nancy, Peg and Kathy

Nancy Reynolds from RSVP and Kathy Mackin from the United Way Volunteer Center stopped in for a tour and visit with long-time RSVP volunteer, Peg Batchelder.

I have worked closely with Nancy for about three years. Honestly you could not find a greater partner when you are in need of volunteers here in Burlington. This was the first time meeting Kathy. She seems great too. Here is the email she sent me after her visit.

"Hi Carmen, Visiting Good News Garage was a terrific experience! To see one of our RSVP volunteer making such a difference was great too! Thank you to Good News Garage for supporting the RSVP program of the United Way of Chittenden County Volunteer Center."

The United Way's RSVP program has personalized placement service for people 55 and over who wish to volunteer and make an impact on in their community. Good News Garage has four other RSVP volunteers: Bill Kelly, John Simson, Donna and Bruce Cunningham They all have help raise awareness around the need for donated cars in rural Vermont.

If you would like to volunteer and are over 55 visit their website. http://www.unitedwaycc.org/ Click on Volunteer Now and then Click on Volunteer Opportunities Adults 55 and over.

Carmen George

Good News Garage Executive Director on New Hampshire Today show

Tune in Wednesday, August 6th to the "New Hampshire Today" show on WTPL 107.7 fm from 3:00 - 5:00 pm to hear the Good News Garage interim Executive Director, David Rembis, on the air with Jack Heath. David will be sharing his thoughts on Good News Garage and our mission to help needy New England families through our car donation program. David will also be discussing Lutheran Social Services of New England.

Fox 25 News Boston Filming Story on Good News Garage MA

Last week, Sarah, Senior Special Projects Producer from Fox 25 News Boston, called to say they were hoping to produce a story on Good News Garage Massachusetts! Tomorrow morning, I will be heading to Lowell, MA where I will be meeting Sarah, her cameraman and two Good News Garage clients who each received a donated vehicle from Good News Garage! These women who are both mothers, co-workers and friends have shared a lot together including carpooling back and forth to work and day care. Good News Garage is grateful to Fox 25 News Boston for recognizing the work that we do accepting, repairing and awarding donated vehicles to needy New England families. No date has been set for airing the Good News Garage story, but stay-tuned...more details will follow!

Vermont Campaign To End Childhood Hunger Visits

Maisie Howard from The Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger visited Good News Garage. We are looking at ways to partner since our missions are similar, both organizations are expanding access to basic needs for low-income Vermonters so they can lead healthy and productive lives. As food and fuel prices continue to rise, it’s more important than ever that Vermont families know about all the services available to them.

Maisie explained to me that The Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger has 5 different programs it manages to address hunger issues. One is to increase awareness about food stamps. They even have a site that helps people calculate eligiblity. http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/other_help/ If you need help with fuel assistance they have information about that too. I am impress with all that The Vermont Campaign To End Childhood Hunger does.

WCAX MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Robert and Sharon Ross from Woodbury, Vermont, donated a car today. I thanked them and asked how they came to the decision to donate. "We were inspired by the ad we saw on WCAX." Sharon said "We wanted to help a struggling working family have a dependable car."

Most people don't know this but that ad that Sharon is speaking about was one of the many public service announcements WCAX runs for Good News Garage every year for free. It has made a HUGE difference for GNG. There are dozens of families around Vermont who would not have transportation if we didn't have WCAX's generous support. Thanks WCAX!

Bedford NH Historical Society Antique & Classic Car/Truck Show and Rally THIS Weekend

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out the Bedford, NH Historical Society Antique and Classic Car/Truck Show and Rally (www.bedfordhistoricalnh.org). This family friendly event take place at the Bedford Village Shoppes on Saturday, July 19th (rain date July 20th). The fun begins with a rally at 9:30 followed by the car show at 11:30. Food and beverages will be provided by the Bedford Men's Club and Good News Garage NH will be on hand with free candy, sports bottles and kid activities. We hope to see you there!

Kathy Shand Honored by the White House

I received a called from the White House today! Yes, it is true THE White House. They called to let us know that Good News Garage's Office Manager, Kathy Shand, is being honored by Bush's Faith-Based Initiative Office in their book of inspiring people.

Eleven years ago Kathy recieved a donated car from Good News Garage. She also applied for a job and was hired here. When she started she was a single mom of four children getting by on public assistance. Since then she has been promoted and is now raising three of her grandchildren with her new husband. Kathy has dedicated much of her life to Good News Garage's car donation program. She understands, more than anyone, what a difference a car can make. The staff at GNG are happy to see her inspiring story and dedictation to Good News Garage acknowledged.

Congratulations Kathy!

Email Kathy at kshand@goodnewsgarage.org