MINOT, ND ( KXNET ) — Souris Valley United Way and Minot Automotive are pairing up to give cars to families in need.

“A lot of us take for granted that we can go out to our garage or to the driveway, drive that car to work, or take our kids to school,” said Souris Valley United Way’s Executive Director Christy Miller. “For people who don’t have transportation, it’s a lot of work to get those tasks done every day.”

Miller says that having access to a reliable vehicle that you own opens up a bundle of opportunities — which is exactly why the program is such a great way to help address the many concerns families face.

“It allows people to apply for jobs where they can get there and work past 7 o’clock when the bus system is done in town,” Miller said. “It allows you to bring your children to school and not have to worry about your kids getting on and off the bus on their own.”

Wheels for Work leaders say the program is for families who have a child under the age of 18 who is still living at home, as well as families who are working and can pass an active background check.

In order to be selected, families also have to be working with a case manager at any local non-profit that knows their needs.

In the beginning stages of the program, Wheels for Work has already donated one car to a deserving family.

Hans Halbur, the General Manager at Minot Automotive, hopes that they will be able to send out a second relatively soon.

“Our goal is to do one or two each month,” he stated, “so we can get the folks that need these vehicles on the road.”

Anyone can donate any car in any condition to this program, regardless of mileage.

If a vehicle is not fit to be driven, it will be brought to the junkyard, and proceeds raised from the scrapping process are then donated directly back to MSA United Way.

“The ones that are able to be donated will be gone through with a safety inspection to make sure everything is safe and mechanically the car is reliable,” Halbur added.

Miller says United Way has already seen success with the project in other cities, and that the organization is excited to bring it to Minot.

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