Belmont Rotary, Other Groups Donate Car to Single Mother

Dyana Jones knows what her first stop will be once she cuts on the engine in her 1996 Lexus Sedan

“Back to my sister’s house to show it off,” said Jones, both laughing and crying.

Six months ago, Jones, a widowed, single mother, moved herself and her daughter into a transitional family facility as part of the Shelter Network in Burlingame.

Now, after struggling with the expenses and the inconvenience of public transportation, Jones has grabbed the hand the Belmont Rotary Club, along with the Shelter Network, so generously extended.

“I was just struggling with transportation,” Jones said. “I was in the Redwood City Family House, I went through the program, and they called me, just asking did I have my license. I told them yes, then I met with them and they said someone had donated a car and was I interested.”

For Jones, she could not have agreed quickly enough.

“Yes, I’m very interested,” said a giggling Jones of her answer.

On Thursday, Rotary Club President Sharrie Kriger, along with several other participants in the car giveaway, including Shelter Network communications assistant Maria Duzon and Summit Auto Body and Painting owner Chris Zammit, responsible for refurbishing the ’96 Lexus ES 300, were all on hand to present the automobile to Jones and her brother-in-law, George Wallace.

According to Kriger, Zammit came up with the idea to donate the car to an individual in need.

“Chris, who owns Summit Auto Body and Painting, told us he had a lady donate a car to his shop and that we can recycle it if there is a recipient worthy of the car,” Kriger said.  

Zammit, who has been in business for 32 years, came across the car when one of his clients, after crashing the vehicle, decided that donation would be simpler than repair.

“I take it for granted that I have everything I need to survive and I have all the tools to put a car together,” Zammit said. “I came across this car when one of my customers wrecked it and it was too much money to fix. She was willing to donate it to Belmont Rotary Club.”

It was at that point that Kriger and Rotary Club sought out the Shelter Network, inquiring if Duzon and her organization knew of any family in transition in need of a vehicle.

The Shelter Network landed upon Jones, who although recently losing her apartment, has been utilizing the multitude of resources the Network has to offer, including resume writing and financial literacy.

Jones is also in the process of taking classes in order to earn her certification as an administrative assistant, while Jones’ 17-year old daughter will soon graduate from Woodside High School.

“When we look for recipients of cars, we obviously look for someone who has a strong need, who is spending a significant amount of their budget on public transit,” Duzon said. “We do car donations to clients maybe about three times a year, so not very often. But it’s always a real treasure when we get to do it.”

In the process of refurbishing the car, Zammit contacted a number of vendors and clients he's worked with for a number of years, his lengthy relationships making it easy for him to get the desired parts and manpower.

Zammit also commented that giving back to the community is a commitment that he feels happy to honor.

“Being in business this long, the community has helped me out,” Zammit said. “That’s why I’m in business, because of the community. So it’s nice to give back and help the community.”

Kriger noted that the Rotary Club works worldwide, but when an opportunity to help surfaces close to home, it’s a “win-win.”

“We’re always looking for ways to make a positive difference around the world, in 130 countries, but when we find a project within our own community, it’s like the frosting on the cake,” Kriger said.

Before Thursday’s event concluded, Kriger, Duzon, Zammit and others posed around Jones’ new transportation, presenting her with flowers and a special gift, which Zammit pulled out of his pocket to a round of applause.

Lexus keys.

“I’m just so happy,” Jones said. “I’m very blessed. I’ve been going through a lot and this is a big weight off my shoulders.”