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Mother of four gifted brand new car in time for Christmas
The mom was so shocked. Think, when she woke up this morning, her main mode of transportation was the bus. Now she's going to bed with a new vehicle parked in her driveway.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - A mother of four who’s fallen on hard times just got an unexpected boost: a new set of wheels to help her get around town.
The mom was so shocked. Think, when she woke up this morning, her main mode of transportation was the bus. Now she's going to bed with a new vehicle parked in her driveway.
"God is good. I can’t believe that I won. My car was stolen back in May," said winner Ashley Leatherwood. "My son just had a seizure."
Leatherwood, overcome with emotion after winning a new Chevy Equinox on Monday evening.
"I have a baby that was born with a rare disease. Her therapist and nurses come out to the house 3 times a week. Then I have to catch the bus back to get my daughter from off the school bus," she said. "It’s just overwhelming. I couldn’t believe that I won."
The mother of four says she learned she’d won just minutes after arriving at the "Beat the Odds/Detroit Friends and Family Car Giveaway" at Impact Church.
The gym was packed for the announcement.
"Four people actually got selected, or three people," said founder Darrell Ewing. "She was the fourth person to be selected. Three didn’t even come to make it to pick up the car so she was the fourth one here. She walked away with a car today."
Ewing, founder of Beat the Odds, an organization that's been successful in reducing crime on the street, says Leatherwood submitted a video to the competition detailing her need for a car. Her story immediately touched him and Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
"I almost wanted to cry. You know, I might shed a tear now," said Smith. "I’m just joking, but man, I’m just happy for her. It’s all love, and it’s a blessing, man, just to be able to give on this Christmas."
Smith teamed up with Ewing to make the car giveaway possible. He says it's all about paying forward.
"I watched my mom take care of me and my brother. It was just so hard, you know, for her. So, to be able to come here and bless somebody with a car is awesome man," he said.
Leatherwood was grateful. She cried and gave hugs throughout the night. Not only did she walk away with a new set of keys, but a renewed hope for the holidays.
"Keep hope alive. Keep praying. God is good," said Leatherwood. "He really is."