A Milestone Moment: 75th Car Given Away by Cars Changing Lives

A quiet Saturday at the Auto Care Clinic turned into a celebration of second chances and community spirit, as Cars Changing Lives, a local faith-based nonprofit, handed over the keys to its 75th donated vehicle. The recipient, Kodie—a local mother of three and 20 months into recovery—was moved to tears as she accepted the life-changing gift: a clean, reliable 2011 Nissan Rogue.

The event was hosted in partnership with the Hike Kidz Foundation and Bill and Sandy Long, founders of Cars Changing Lives. Standing beside friends, local pastors, and supporters,  Sandy Long reflected on the journey that led to this powerful milestone.

“Today is about more than just giving away a car, it’s about how our community comes together to make a difference,” Long said. “Car number 75 didn’t happen on its own. It took prayer, generosity, and people stepping up when they didn’t have to.” She emphasized that finding quality, dependable cars is one of the hardest parts of the mission. “When Mark Smoot of the Auto Center donated this vehicle, it was a game changer,” she added. “He didn’t hesitate. He said, ‘Yes, let’s do it.’ And that’s the kind of heart that fuels this ministry.”

Long praised the teamwork behind the scenes—mechanics who inspect the vehicles, volunteers who detail and prep them, and ministry partners who help identify worthy candidates. “It’s not about how much someone gives,” she said. “It’s that people give what they can. Time, skills, money, prayers—it all adds up.”

Barbara Way shares the joys and impact of the Cars Changing Lives ministry during Saturday’s car giveaway event. Standing to her right are Harmony and Aaron Hike of the Hyde Kids Foundation, alongside Bill Long, co-leader of the Cars Changing Lives mission.

Kodie Weatherholtz, the 75th recipient, shared her story through a powerful impact statement that left few dry eyes in the room. Kodie was nominated by Victor Jones, Pastor of The Experience Ministry.

“My name is Kodie, and I’m a mother of three amazing children,” she began, her voice shaking with emotion. “Our journey has not been easy. I’m in recovery and almost two years clean, working hard every day to rebuild my life and be the best mother I can be.”

Kodie described the dark moments of her past, the struggle of addiction, and the strength she found through her faith, her children, and her recovery community. “Today, I’m 20 months sober from any mind-altering substances. I’m focused on providing a safe, stable, and loving home for my kids,” she said. “Their smiles remind me every day why I keep pushing forward.”

Receiving a car, she explained, was more than just transportation; it was freedom, stability, and opportunity. “This car will help me get to work, grow in my faith at church with my children, attend recovery meetings, court appointments, and be there for my kids’ school needs. It will ease so many of the challenges we face and allow me to continue building a better future for us.”

After her heartfelt statement, Kodie was met with a round of applause and warm embraces. Captain Tim Mawyer of the Front Royal Fire Department, and the winner of the Dueling Disco Dance Off, a recent fundraiser for the Hike Kidz Kids Foundation, presented her with the keys. “It’s an honor to hand these to you,” he said. “You’ve worked hard for this. Now it’s time to take the next step forward.”

Kodie Weatherholtz receives the keys to her new car from Captain Tim Mawyer. Below, Bill Long, who prepped the donated 2011 Nissan Rogue, ensured it was ready for the road, complete with a backup camera, cold AC, and a full tank of gas.

Bill Long, who prepped the car, added with a smile, “The AC blows cold. It comes with a backup camera, offers good gas mileage, and has a full tank. We always give our cars away filled with fuel, because it’s more than symbolic. We want people to start their journey equipped.”

The vehicle, donated and carefully serviced, serves as a reminder of how small acts, when combined, can change lives in significant ways.

Cars Changing Lives has now helped 75 individuals and families since its founding, and Bill and Sandy Long say they’re just getting started. With help from local businesses, churches, and everyday citizens, the group continues to look for safe, reliable cars and sponsors who can fuel the next 75 stories.

As the keys changed hands and Kodie stepped into her new car, the crowd cheered, not just for her, but for what the moment represented: hope, resilience, and a community that believes in second chances.

About Cars Changing Lives

Cars Changing Lives is a local nonprofit ministry with a simple mission: Changing lives, one car at a time.

The organization works directly with local nonprofits, churches, and community organizations to provide free, safe, and reliable vehicles to individuals and families in need. Case managers or representatives from these groups can nominate eligible candidates, who must be actively engaged in programs that support their journey toward independence, whether through recovery, employment, or family stability.

Each vehicle donated becomes a crucial turning point in someone’s life, just as it did for Kodie.

How You Can Help

This work is only possible through the generosity of others. If you have a vehicle you no longer need, whether it runs or not, Cars Changing Lives will gladly accept it. Every car donated is either repaired and gifted to someone in need or responsibly recycled, with the funds used to support future giveaways.

Financial donations are also welcome and help cover repair costs, insurance, and licensing, ensuring every recipient drives away ready to succeed.

To learn more or get involved, contact Barbara Way, Executive Director of Cars Changing Lives.

Together, we can keep the wheels of hope turning, for Kodie and for the many more families still waiting for their chance.