TAMPA, Fla. – A Tampa mother has received a New-to-Her vehicle, thanks to GTE Financial and Wheels of Success. The presentation was made at GTE Financial’s headquarters, providingprovide a gift of a lifetime to a woman in need of her own vehicle.
Denise Duggins, a single mother of five, with three children in college, recently purchased a used car with a warranty. To her dismay, her new car broke down, and the warranty did not cover the issue. This dramatic turn of events left Duggins to figure out how to commute to her job at North Tampa Alternative School, back to her three-year-old’s daycare and then home, the credit union said.
“As a parent, commuting to work, your children’s school and taking on an array of other household duties is essential in our daily routines, so when there’s a breakdown in this process completing all of these tasks become extremely difficult,” said Teri Averill, director of Operations, Wheels of Success. “What we saw in Denise is that she continued to do what she needed to do despite this obstacle, which many would find impossible! She is utilizing the bus system but found out it is not efficient for her. We’re happy to assist this supermom with a vehicle to help her get so much done.”
Duggins received a 2002 Acura MDX, which will give her family the space needed to get around town comfortably.
“Aside from an amazing mother receiving a car to help her family, another great facet of this is Denise will be paying it forward by volunteering five hours of service monthly to Wheels of Success, which keeps the program rolling,” said Dona Svehla, SVP, chief lending officer, GTE Financial. “We’re truly proud to be making a difference in Denise’s life as well as many others.”