Salvation Army teams up with Pit Stop to help pay car repair costs

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The Salvation Army of Charlotte County has partnered with Pit Stop Auto Repair to chip in and help locals cover repair costs.

Pit Stop is currently offering discounted maintenance and repairs to those eligible. The Salvation Army will cover up to $250 per vehicle. Pit Stop will also provide discounts that may apply. Eligibility will be determined through an interview with a social worker.

Pit Stop has continued to collaborate with Salvation Army while expanding their partnership to locations across Southwest Florida.

“People are struggling,” said Port Charlotte Pit Stop employee Jorg Ebert. “They may need their car to get their kids to school, to shop at the grocery store or to attend job interviews. They need a safe, reliable car in order to do so.”

Ebert stated the Salvation Army administrator, Israel Roseno, reached out to the auto shop.

“We were willing to help and came to an agreement to work with the people they send our way,” said Elbert.

Pit Stop Auto Repair Owner Joseph Ramsay strives to support the community in many ways.

“Our core value is giving,” he said. “We hope the offer will prompt stability and growth, personally and financially.”

Ramsay stated the offer is ongoing and locals may benefit when car trouble comes unexpectedly.

“Jobs have been lost, incomes have been reduced, there have been changes we’ve been forced to face. No one plans on having a bad day,” said Ramsay. “Some people just need to get their kids to trombone lessons or whatever the case may be.”

Roseno hopes the Salvation Army will be able to offer their help for as long as the need remains. He said the organization received almost 50 voicemails over the first weekend.

For more information or for those seeking help, call the Salvation Army of Charlotte County at 941-629-3170, ext. 402.

Pit Stop also offers individuals a chance to win a car repair makeover through the Pit Stop Charitable Foundation. For those willing to share their story, visit www.PitStopCares.com.

 

By OLIVIA CAMERON Staff Writer | yoursun.com

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Captain of Salvation Army of Port Charlotte to walk 50 miles in fundraising effort

A leader at The Salvation Army of Port Charlotte and a teenager are on a journey to raise $50,000 to fill a need in Southwest Florida.

This year, more families than ever are asking for help to be able to put food on the table and give kids a gift for Christmas.

Capt. Israel Rosano and senior soldier Roger Lane set out Thursday morning to walk 50 miles, all in an effort to raise money for helping those in need this holiday season.

“Good morning, Port Charlotte family. Me and Roger, we’re here on our way to Englewood. We’ve done 10 and a half miles so far,” Roseno reported.

They’re still going strong – for now. They’re tired, hungry, and their feet hurt, but they’re determined.

“I’ve never done anything like that and it’s been a good experience,” Roseno said.

They’re planning to walk 50 miles through Charlotte County, from the Army’s office at 2120 Loveland Blvd., to the Punta Gorda Family Store at 1048 Tamiami Trl. It’s called the “50-50-50 Challenge for Good,” 50 miles on the 50th day before Christmas.

“Our bodies hurt, our feet hurt, but that’s just so small compared to the people that come to us every day and are just battling to make it,” Roseno said.

“It’s one thing for us to say I understand, another thing to say I experienced the same thing.”

He isn’t on the journey alone with the company of Roger, a Port Charlotte High School student who volunteers at The Salvation Army.

“He approached me; he says, ‘I’m going to go walk with you, Captain,’ and I said, ‘Sure, let’s go then.’”

Roseno said “it would’ve been more painful if it wasn’t for Roger,” who said he’s “really tired” but happy to walk for those who really need it.

“If I have the ability to help someone who can’t experience the things that I experience, I think that’s great,” Roger said.

If you’d like to donate to Roseno’s efforts, go to 50forGood.org or send your donation to:

The Salvation Army
2120 Loveland Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33980

 

Original Article: www.winknews.com

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