Four single mothers were full of smiles on Sunday when their church in Maryland, U.S., gifted them new cars each ahead of Mothers Day.
The parents were given a quality pre-owned vehicle during one of four church services at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, courtesy of Sterling Motorcars’ Community C.A.R.E. (Community, Assurance, Reliability and Excellence) programme, reports local media WHUR96.3.
The single parents were selected “based on their financial needs, having young children, and being active members of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden,” according to the pastor, John K. Jenkins, Sr.
One of the recipients, Marilyn Lacy, said she was left to raise eight children after her husband died about two years ago.
The family has not able to travel together because Lacy’s vehicle is too small, forcing her to transport everyone in shifts, she said.
“Many Sundays I would have to leave some of my children home and they could not come to church because we didn’t have a large car. This SUV means everything to my family,” said Lacy.
Javelle Teate, who received her vehicle at the first service, alongside her 15-year-old son, was recently involved in an automobile accident and her car was totalled by an uninsured motorist. She sobbed when she stepped into her vehicle.
The other parents – April Lanier and Thelma Grace – were surprised when they were called during the subsequent church services to receive their cars.
Mother’s Day will be on May 11, and as usual, many people would love to show their moms how much they appreciate them for all they’ve done for them over the years.
Mothers, during such moments, love the fact that their children or communities thought about them and did something to make their day special.
That was the same feeling for these single mothers, who have been dedicated to the church and have taken good care of their children despite the hardship and lack of reliable means of transport.
They have since heaved a sigh of relief as the car gift would make parenting less complex. People have also praised the church and the corporation for not paying deaf ears to community members who have supported them in their work over the years.
Here’s how some of the single mothers reacted to the gifts:
