A single mom no longer has to walk along the highway with her three young children after ABC Action News helped surprise her with a minivan.
“Thank you so much,” Rachel Wallace said through tears after Consumer Investigator Jackie Callaway worked with nonprofit Wheels of Success to organize the surprise reveal.
When Wallace’s car broke down this summer, it was the latest — but not the worst — of life's recent blows.
“Every time I feel like I get up, I get knocked down,” said Wallace.
By age 24, Wallace had already buried the father of her children and her infant son, 2-month-old Ty, who died in May.
When Consumer Investigator Jackie Callaway caught up with Wallace, she found the single mother walking with her children, ages 2, 3 and 5 , along the highway every day to and from their daycare. Wallace would then catch a bus to get to work.
The family makes the same walk in the blazing heat or pelting rain.
“To try to keep all three babies walking under one umbrella – it’s hard,” said Wallace.
That’s when Wheels of Success stepped in to help with a used Toyota minivan – after a call from ABC Action News.
The nonprofit helps the working poor, like Wallace, get back on their feet with a set of wheels, according to Wheels of Success Executive Director Susan Jacobs.
“You’re changing a life. You’re giving them an opportunity to do something for themselves,” said Jacobs.
For Wallace it means safety for her children, security for her job and a chance to finish school.
Wheels of Success requires that Wallace pay for a fraction of the cost of the car and carry insurance.
If you are interested in learning more about Wheels of Success or would like to help you, can find out more at their website.
