AUTO ASSIST

If you don't have a car, you can't work. That's the simple concept behind Episcopal Church of the Redeemer's vehicle assistance program.

I'm floored by the thought. I hate my dented, dirty mini-van, but take it completely for granted. High mileage, squeaky breaks and all, it takes us everywhere we need to go.

Les Reed is the brainchild behind the program and he leads the all-volunteer, zero-overhead team that researches and buys quality used cars off Craig's List, eBay and from local dealers.

Thanks to an anonymous donation, the group has put 14 people in cars in the past two and a half years. And thanks to their clients' monthly payments (set at what they can reasonably afford each month for around two years with 0 percent interest) Reed and Co. are able to continue car purchases.

Motivation to pay is less threat of repo-man and more "if you don't --we won't have the money to help someone else."

I'm curious if a church that gives so generously hopes to recruit new members, but Reed calls it an unconditional gift. Besides, he says, most of the people taking advantage of the program are working constantly to make ends meet and too busy with young families to come to church.

They aren't trying to convert anyone. Just lend a hand.

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Vehicle Assistance
303 N. Main Street
Greensboro, Ga.
706-453-7171