Newell’s Auto Body has been a part of the greater Decatur community for over 60 years, and we wanted to find a big way to show our support and give back to the community that has supported us for so long!
What better way than to stick to what we do best – vehicles! Part of the desire to create a car giveaway was to honor the late Mike Newell, founder of Newell’s Auto Body. My father loved Decatur, and helping the people of Decatur has long been a priority here at Newell’s Auto Body.
The Newell’s Auto Body Christmas Wish Benevolence Program started in 2014. We have partnered with Neuhoff Media for sponsorship and promotion. Nominations are accepted beginning in mid-to-late November. All nominations are reviewed by a team, and a winner is chosen in early December.
The preparation of the vehicle is something that is done all year long, and is a Newell’s Team effort! Once we procure a vehicle, we repair it, inspect it, and make it shine. Our talented technicians donate their time and skills to refurbish the vehicle.
We fill the trunk with gifts, treats, car care supplies, and gift certificates. Some of these gift certificates come from local sponsors and provide car wash memberships, insurance services, and oil changes. It is important to us that there are Christmas gifts as an extra surprise for the recipient and his or her family.
Once a winner is selected, the party planning begins. The presentation of the vehicle is usually done as a surprise, with our team, sponsors, and the recipient’s friends and family waiting for them to arrive at our shop for the big reveal.
It brings us so much joy to provide reliable transportation to someone in need, it humbles us to see the immense need, and motivates us to make it possible year after year.
