On the road again
Chloe and Zach Burch, with baby Asher, receive paperwork Tuesday from KTEC auto instructor TJ Robertson as they prepare to go home with a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan through Rides for a Reason. The Burches are the second family to benefit from the new program, which provides affordable, reliable transportation to families in need after donated vehicles have undergone work by KTEC students.
Photo courtesy of Charity Reimagined
Kootenai Technical Education Campus auto instructor TJ Robertson, left, joins Zach and Chloe Burch, with baby Asher, for a photo Tuesday at KTEC as the Burch family receives a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan through the Rides for a Reason program.
COEUR d'ALENE — A blown car engine made life tricky for a young couple going to college and working to give their baby boy a good life.
"The motor blew up and we could not afford to fix it," Chloe Burch of Rathdrum said Wednesday.
Chloe is pursuing a degree in child development at North Idaho College. Her husband, Zach Burch, is in NIC's auto tech program and working full time.
They've been sharing a car, feverishly searching for a vehicle they could afford that could fit a car seat.
"We've been looking for three months, and there is nothing," Chloe said. "If you do find something it's broken or way too expensive. To find a larger vehicle like a van, it's not necessarily the easiest task. It is stressful."
The Burches recently saw the news about a program that helps people in tough situations find reliable vehicles at affordable prices.
Now, they are the second family to benefit from this altruistic venture.
“This program is absolutely an answer to prayer," Chloe said. "I’m so thankful we were even considered."
Charity Reimagined's Rides for a Reason, launched in May, is a partnership with Kootenai Technical Education Campus that gives auto students experience working on donated vehicles while meeting eligible community members' needs for reliable transportation.
"We’ve been praying about it for three weeks now, if we were even going to be accepted into the program," Chloe said.
Chloe and Zach worked with NIC's Center for New Directions program to connect with Rides for a Reason. On Tuesday, they drove home in a clean, reliable and affordable 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan — a vehicle large enough for a car seat and able to accommodate a growing family.
"We got our van for $1,800, which is a steal of a deal," Chloe said. "Obviously they need some sort of profit, or they can’t afford to continue the program."
The van was donated by a local family. KTEC students rebuilt the transmission. Through Rides for a Reason, eligible clients of Charity Reimagined’s referring partners make arrangements to pay KTEC for the cost of parts. The students receive hands-on experience, KTEC receives compensation and reliable vehicles are made attainable to those in need.
"It went amazing," Chloe said. "It's not like you're just accepting a free car. It makes you feel like a regular person, even when you don’t have a lot of money."
Charity Reimagined founder Maggie Lyons said she was inspired by the Burch family's story.
"They were very thoughtful," she said. "They impressed me a lot with their approach to evaluating their needs, understanding their budget and they were so grateful for this opportunity."
Lyons said the goal is for this opportunity to be available for anyone who needs it. She gave a shout-out to KTEC, the auto instructors and the students for their willingness and eagerness to participate.
"To let us gain continued affirmations of where this program can go, we're so grateful for KTEC," she said. "If you ever doubt the incredible talent we’ve got in our youth, go visit KTEC for a while."
For community members who want to support the program, vehicle donations are needed and welcome.
Info: charityreimagined.org
