Brotherly Love: Auto Repair Shop Seeking Veteran To Receive Free SUV
By Ukee Washington
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Blue Bell auto repair shop wants to give a refurbished vehicle to a veteran, and it wants the public to help choose the lucky winner. This isn't the first time these mechanics have given veterans such a big gift.
Larry Scott of Philadelphia, a U.S. Navy veteran, has struggled to get around ever since being paralyzed during a surgical procedure about a year ago. The toughest part: not being able to drive out of state to visit his four children or his grandchildren.
"Part of my world was cut off," Larry said. "It made me feel like I was in prison."
When Scott Jacobs of Motorcar Makeovers in Blue Bell heard about Larry, he knew he could help. Last summer, Jacobs and his team surprised Larry with a refurbished, wheelchair accessible van. For free.
"They drove the van up and they said, 'Mr. Scott, this is your van,'" said Larry. "Of course, I was speechless. I'm never speechless."
The van not only had a wheelchair lift, but a brand-new DVD player and CD player.
Jacobs, owner of Motorcar Makeovers, said, "We feel great that we were actually a part of that,"
So great, Jacobs is doing it again. One of their customers gave them a 2004 GMC Yukon Denali 4x4 to fix it up and give it to another veteran. The SUV is getting everything from new brakes and rotors to a new transmission.
Jacobs calls this program Four Wheel Philanthropy. He's asking the public to nominate a deserving veteran. Four finalists will be chosen. The public will vote for the winning veteran on social media.
"Four Wheel Philanthropy is going to give us the opportunity to make over people's lives," said Jacobs.
Like it did for Larry Scott: "And here I am, a changed man."
Do you want to nominate a veteran for the Yukon Denali? Get in touch with Four Wheel Philanthropy by January 20 at this website:
