Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Since October 2000 Combined Community Services has offered transportation through its Wheels to Work program.
Van and car owners may donate their vehicles to CCS, receiving a retail and wholesale price for their car from director Jim Coons, who has an auto dealership license.
CCS then guarantees a loan for clients through Mutual Federal Bank or Lake City Bank for the purchase of the vehicle.
It's a way for people to establish a line of credit.
In the last 15 months, 53 vehicles were donated, with 38 recipients taking advantage of the innovative program.
This month, five autos were purchased by clients in the program, according to director of development Darlene Redinger.
Angie Charters, mother of seven, can now take her children to day care and school in one trip instead of in two shifts.
Rita Strang purchased a vehicle to take her nine children in one group.
Suzanne Stutzman, grandmother of nine, also took advantage of the program to buy a van.
In the end, three donated vehicles now transport 25 local children to events.
CCS has a waiting list of single parents in need of cars or vans. Wheels to Work is a United Way-sponsored program.
