The third annual North Hills Community Outreach’s Community Auto “Too Big for The Stocking” vehicle giveaway has returned this holiday season with a chance for a low-income family to win a 2002 Dodge Caravan.
A winner will be presented with the van live on KDKA-TV’s Pittsburgh Today Live on Dec. 23.
Eligible winners are low-income individuals with dependent children in their household, who need a vehicle to reach their workplace and perform basic, daily functions such as grocery shopping and getting children to school, daycare and medical appointments.
The giveaway package is valued at more than $5,500 and the vehicle comes loaded with new inspection and emissions stickers, fresh detailing, oil change, a one-year/12,500 mile Community Auto warranty, one-year AAA membership, car seats and booster seats provided by a Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield grant and holiday presents.
Applications from qualified families are due Dec. 16 by 4 p.m. and must be hand-delivered or mailed to 11490 Perry Highway Wexford, Pa. 15090. Postmark for Dec. 16 not acceptable. A selection panel will review applications and select a winner.
To be eligible, applicants must qualify as low-income under federal poverty guidelines as below 250 percent of the poverty line or less than $55,125 gross yearly income for a family of four. Applicants must be a southwestern Pennsylvania resident who does not own a car or have one available within their household as well as a licensed and insurable driver with no insurance violations in Pennsylvania. Applicants must provide three months proof of income and proof of employment or guaranteed future employment and be willing to share their photos and story with the public.
North Hills Community Outreach’s Community Auto is a low-income vehicle program that helps individuals and families attain financial and personal independence through vehicle ownership. The program accepts any vehicle and offers donors the chance to get a maximum tax deduction for their vehicle. In the 2010-11 fiscal year, 44 low-income workers purchased a vehicle through the program and a total of 141 vehicles were donated.