Shelton Car Giveaway provides
special Christmas

By Lisa Casterline

On December 18, everyone at Shelton Collision Repair, Inc. knew who would be receiving the white 1991 Mercury Tracer Wagon and the gifts that surrounded it. The only exception being the one person who would benefit from the generosity of the Derby community.

The woman known as Amanda, whose name has been changed for confidentiality reasons, was shocked, mystified and grateful when Shelton Collision owner Brad Shelton announced that the vehicle and the gifts would be given to her.

Amanda had been told by the staff at the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center/Safehouse that there were so many candidates submitted for the third annual Shelton Collision car giveaway that a drawing would determine the recipient of the vehicle.

“I didn’t have any idea it was for me,” said Amanda, who was still overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. “Last night I said a little prayer. I decided that if it was His will, it would happen to me.”

Camie Borsdorf, director of shelter services for the YWCA Women’s Crisis/Safehouse, said that the first person that the staff thought of was Amanda when Brad asked them for a worthy candidate.

Shelton requested candidates that have overcome obstacles and hardships to better themselves and their families, said Borsdorf.

Amanda said that she has freed herself from an abusive relationship that brought her to the YWCA and is on the path to bettering her life and that of her 10-year-old daughter.

“I received a better outlook on life from the YWCA and counseling,” said Amanda. “They helped me realize that I was worth something. I learned to love myself first.”
Amanda plans to use the vehicle, which was donated by Shelton Collision, to attend college classes, look for a job, and take her daughter to and from school.

Besides the car, many businesses, organizations and individuals in the community donated additional items for Amanda and her daughter. Some of the gifts included clothes, gift certificates, food, a Christmas tree and decorations and household items.
She also received $100 from First National Bank to be used for tuition at Butler Community College and $125 from Derby DECA to go towards her rent.
“This is the best Christmas I have ever had. Thank you all from my daughter and myself,” Amanda said.

For the full story, please see the December 25, 2002 issue of
The Derby Weekly Informer.