TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A family is getting blessed this holiday season with a car after a series of unfortunate events left them without reliable transportation.
Ashley Singer and her partner Greg Beach, who care for Singer's two younger siblings, JR and Khloe, also hoping to foster soon, were surprised with the keys to a donated vehicle during a community event Sunday evening.
"I have tons, tons of doctor's appointments, because I am on disability. I have crazy health issues, and my little brother does have a lot of medical needs. We have doctor's appointments in Phoenix. This is going to help us tremendously," Singer said.
The family's transportation troubles have been ongoing. Their primary car was damaged in a hit-and-run accident while parked in their apartment complex and had to be taken to the shop for repairs. Their backup vehicle, a van Singer nicknamed "Betty White," is also failing.
"Her engine mounts have been falling apart, and we would replace one, then there she was vibrating and shaking again. Then we had the water reservoir tank that would start overheating and leaking and cracked. We had a belt that went out on it. You name it, it's been a lot," Singer said. "It's just really been going downhill, and thousands of dollars of work, and my grandmother gave me that car. I try not to get emotional, but she passed this year, and it's one of those things where we probably should get a new car but didn't want to get rid of it."
Alexander Ward, host of the Tucson-based podcast "People Helping People," organized the car donation with assistance from other non-profits and businesses who helped spread the word and donated event space and catering services.
"To realize how many people are actually here that want to help has been the most eye opening thing," Ward said.
Ward initially contacted dealerships and thought he had secured a donated car, but it wasn't suitable for the family's needs.
"It just was not fit for the family, the vehicle. Not even close. So we are giving the family a vehicle of ours for the time being until we can find them a vehicle," Ward said.
Ward said so many people stepped up to the plate when he shot out the bat signal.
"One of the people that stepped up was Club 4156 to help restore the vehicle to be very presentable, make sure that the paint was really nice, that all the fluids were changed. Zach and Vanessa of the Play Yard, where we're at right now, they donated the space for us all to come together, and there's so many others," Ward said. "It's not about this podcast. It's about people coming together. So it's really just been, like I said, it's just been heartwarming and really incredible."
Singer was overwhelmed by the community's generosity.
"Greg and I still keep, um, pinching ourselves. I've cried multiple times. We just can't thank you enough," Singer said.
She encourages others to show compassion and kindness in their daily lives.
"I think people just need to remember that in today's society it's so easy to be mean. I see it so much, especially on social media. But I think we just need to remember to be empathetic and be kind and help when we can," Singer said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Vanessa Gongora is KGUN 9's Westside reporter.. Vanessa fell in love with storytelling by growing up in sports. She was fascinated by how sports reporters go beyond the x's & o's to tell players' stories, and how sports bring people together, inspiring Vanessa to provide the same impact as a journalist. Share your story ideas and important issues with Vanessa by emailing vanessa.gongora@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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Vanessa Gongora is KGUN 9's Westside reporter.. Vanessa fell in love with storytelling by growing up in sports. She was fascinated by how sports reporters go beyond the x's & o's to tell players' stories, and how sports bring people together, inspiring Vanessa to provide the same impact as a journalist. Share your story ideas and important issues with Vanessa by emailing vanessa.gongora@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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