Nonprofit gives cars, e-bike to families | WLife

A Franklin nonprofit heard that five of its member families needed vehicles, and it responded with compassion and creativity.

FrankTown Open Hearts handed over the keys to five cars and an e-bike on Natchez Street on Friday, Feb. 6. The receiving families have children enrolled in FrankTown’s programs and had shared how having no vehicle was affecting their lives, Executive Director Chris Barnhill said.

“They’ve said, ‘I would love to get a job and improve my life, but I can’t even get to the grocery store,’” he said. “Hopefully, this is going to really change the direction of their lives.”

The cars — a Saturn Vue, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, Dodge Grand Caravan and Hyundai Accent — were donated to FrankTown by supporters and fine-tuned by students in the nonprofit’s automotive program.

“They repair wiper blades, fan belts, brakes,” he said. “We fix them the best we can, and hopefully it will serve them for a season while they get on their feet.”

Barnhill said that counting Friday’s event, FrankTown has given cars away to 87 of its families since 2018.

In addition to the cars for parents, Centennial High School student and FrankTown member Noah Randolph received a new Jetson e-bike and helmet to help him get to his new job at a coffee shop in downtown Franklin.

“It will be a big help to him to get to and from work every day,” he said. “We have a young man who is willing to work and has said, ‘I’ll be the best barista they’ve ever had.’”

The gifts were a surprise to their recipients. Raymond Waymon, FrankTown’s director of community relations and transportation, said the families were asked to meet at the lot on Natchez Street under the ruse of a grant opportunity.

“It is not a grant,” Waymon said. “They are being granted an automobile.”

Lozusha McLemore, to whom Barnhill handed the keys to the Corolla, said she was “blessed” by FrankTown’s gift.

“I can get to work, get the girls to school, the grocery store and church,” she said.

Diamond Wall, who received the Altima, said it will help her get back on track after a car accident left her without transportation three months ago.

“I’m relieved, happy and just thankful,” she said. “It really put me in a bind, but I’m so grateful to have family and friends to help me. But there’s nothing like having your own transportation.”

Wall said she can also get her children, 13-year-old Kelsey and 11-year-old Corbin, to their sports games and practices.

“They can go to games without worrying about how Mom is going to get me there,’” Wall said.