Anticipating the loss of its home at the end of the month, Wheels of Success prepares for its 8th annual Labor Day car distribution
TAMPA, FL (August 12, 2013) –Most people don’t know how important their car is until it is gone. Getting to work, caring for your family, or accomplishing simple tasks like laundry and food shopping can become logistical nightmares without a dependable vehicle. Wheels of Success has been helping families get back on the road for a decade, and the organization is preparing to help 25 families overcome this obstacle at its 8th annual Labor Day event at the Tampa Convention Center, August 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Turner Exposition’s Florida’s Largest Home Show and State Farm are the presenting sponsors for the organization’s largest annual distribution of vehicles. This is the 8th year Wheels of Success has offered this unique twist on the meaning of Labor Day, by providing Bay area families with a vehicle to help them continue working. Whether escaping domestic violence, recovering from homelessness, or working to keep their head above water, the Labor Day distribution is part of the organization’s everyday mission to keep them employed and caring for their families.
Wheels of Success has provided 530 cars, and 534 car-related services for local families, but now that life changing service has been compromised with the anticipated closure of its main office at the end of August. Since 2006, Wheels of Success’ home has been located at the Family Justice Center, but the Center’s recent closure has also meant the loss of its primary location. The agency plans to operate out of its small car lot at 4130A East Hillsborough Avenue, but the facility lacks adequate space and infrastructure to accommodate all of their staff and volunteers.
“While we can help the clients on our waiting list, and provide automotive services to those already with cars, the loss of this space means that we won’t be able to accept new applications from families that need a vehicle for at least one to two months,” said Wheels of Success CEO Susan Jacobs. She has been searching for donated or discounted office space to meet the organization’s needs but cannot concentrate on that goal until after their pre-Labor Day event.
Regardless of their location, Wheels of Success will continue to accept vehicle donations in any condition—running or not. Local partner AAA Auto Club Group provides free towing, and all donations are tax deductible. To make a vehicle donation, or to donate funds for vehicle repairs, please call (813) 417-1090, or visit www.wheelsofsuccess.org.
Since 2003, the Tampa-based nonprofit has worked with community partners in the automotive industry to restore donated vehicles to good running condition, and present them to local residents who need transportation to maintain their employment, support their families, and sustain their independence.