Local Business Donates Cars to Residents in Need

RoNetco Supermarkets and Hinkley Auto Sales have teamed up to provide newly-refurbished cars to Project Self-Sufficiency participants Katonya Brown and Ariel Cromwell.  The vehicles were previously owned by RoNetco Supermarkets and had been used by the firm for company business.  After being taken out of service, the cars were thoroughly detailed by Hinkley Auto Sales and then donated to Project Self-Sufficiency, a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families.

“It is extremely difficult to function as a family in our area without access to a reliable vehicle,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “These families were in desperate need of a car, and we are delighted to be able to pass these vehicles along to them.  RoNetco Supermarkets is a partner in caring for their neighbors’ families, homes and communities.  We are tremendously grateful to RoNetco Supermarkets and Hinkley Auto Sales for their role in this effort.  Project Self-Sufficiency has been fortunate to be the recipient of several vehicles from individuals and area businesses, and we will continue to welcome the donation of good quality, pre-owned vehicles from our neighbors for families in need.” 

When she learned that she had been selected to receive a car, Project Self-Sufficiency participant Ariel Cromwell was greatly relieved since she did not have reliable transportation.  “This could not have come at a better time,” declared the mother of two young children.  “It’s been a long journey.  We’ve been struggling.  We appreciate this so much.”  Ariel plans on using her new vehicle to commute to school and drive to work.

Christine Foster, Communications and Training Coordinator at RoNetco Supermarkets, stated, “RoNetco Supermarkets is delighted to provide gainful transportation through the donation of these pre-owned vehicles.  Navigating through Sussex, Morris and Warren counties without a vehicle is not easy.  What we frequently say at RoNetco is, ‘we live here, we work here, we "give" here....if it makes life easier for others...let's do it.’"

In the Brown family, it was hard to tell who was more enthusiastic about their new car.  Katonya and her four children were delighted to be receiving a van which was large enough to accommodate her large brood.  “I am so thankful.  I have three job interviews coming up, but the first thing that I am going to do is reward my children by taking them out to see New Jersey,” noted Katonya.  Her young daughters have already decided that the red van will be named “Roses.”

Hinkley Auto Sales contributed detailing services for the donated cars.  “There is a lot of suffering that goes on that people don’t even realize.  In our own county there are so many people who need so much,” commented Nelson Hinkley, owner of Hinkley Auto Sales.  “My heart goes out to these people.  It’s a wonderful thing that RoNetco is doing by donating these cars, and it’s a wonderful thing that Project Self-Sufficiency is doing in locating these families who otherwise would not be able to get to work or anywhere.  I was so impressed with these women and their children.  I am excited to be able to help.”

 “Although I am not a woman, I have an understanding of what it would be like to have this burden cast upon you,” added John Mathews, Partner at Hinkley Auto Sales and an ardent supporter of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “So keep up the good work and we will do whatever we can to help you folks.”

Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey.  The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability.  Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including more than 30,000 children. 

To donate a car to Project Self-Sufficiency, or to find out more about the programs and services available at the agency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.