An auto service shop in Iowa is helping out those struggling in the community by performing free services on their vehicles to make holiday travel safe, the Carroll Times Herald reports.
Pro Auto Sales and Service in Carroll, Iowa, has put on its Family Service Day annually for the past seven years. Shop technicians Kelly Bauer and Jeremy Brown, who have been with the business for 16 years and seven years respectively, donate several hours of their day to fix up vehicles for those who need basic maintenance performed.
The store has invited local organizations helping those struggling in the community to refer their clients to the shop for needed repairs on their vehicles. Shop owner Bobby Molak had the idea to launch Family Service Day after reading about another auto business doing something similar.
The shop typically works on five to eight vehicles each year for the event, offering a full inspection of the tires, shocks, brakes, lights, belts, hoses, wiper blades, and other potentially needed maintenance.
The mileage of the vehicles serviced this year ranged from 133,487 to almost 231,000, with makes and models spanning from a 2013 Honda Civic to a 2010 Ford F-150 pickup, to a 2013 Chevy Express van, the latter of which referred to as “the Beast” by the woman who drives it.
The Chevy Express owner has owned the car for nine years, relying on it to this day as she takes care of several family members, including young grandchildren. Often having to choose between receiving an oil change or affording groceries, she is relieved she can see her family for the holidays without worrying about her safety on the road.
“It’s not something you see very often, a dealership or auto shop providing free service this way,” said Logan Lawson, an administrative assistant for Family Resource Center, an organization that participates in Family Service Days. “It’s a massive help for people who don’t expect this kind of help.”
