EVERETT — Mike and Vicki Doherty have a car to give away and are looking for a worthy recipient.
This is the second year that the Dohertys, who own M&N Absolute Auto Repair in Everett, have done so.
The Dohertys are active members of their community. They raised and donated 25 turkeys and 14 bags of food for the Everett Gospel Mission last year.
Mike Doherty caught the car giveaway bug after talking with one of the organizers of a program called Wheels to Prosper.
The 5-year-old program, founded in 2011 by two California mechanics, caught on quickly, and there are now nearly 50 auto shops across the U.S. and Canada taking part.
Participating shops usually get hold of a car that is usable but needs work, either as a donation or bought cheaply, Vicki Doherty said. The shop fixes it up and gives it away to someone who can use it most and pay that generosity forward into their community.
In 2014, the Dohertys acquired a 2004 Honda Civic, repaired it and gave it to a Machias man active in his church and community.
“The Civic had a brand new clutch and engine put in it, so it’s still going,” Vicki Doherty said.
This year they are giving away a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback that was donated by one of their regular customers.
“It’s one that we’ve been repairing throughout the years,” Doherty said.
“We had to make sure its transmission was OK, and the head gasket and I think the clutch,” she said.
The Dohertys are seeking nominations from the wider community of potential recipients.
Those not chosen last year will be reconsidered for this year’s giveaway, but the Dohertys still want to expand the pool.
“We just haven’t had a lot (of nominations) this year so we just want to make sure we’re not missing out on anybody,” Doherty said.
They plan to give the car away July 25 at their annual customer appreciation barbecue.
Chris Winters: 425-374-4165; cwinters@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @Chris_At_Herald.
Nominations sought
M&N Absolute Auto Repair is seeking nominations for their second annual car giveaway. Suggestions can be emailed to mnabsoluteauto@gmail.com or mailed to the company at 10011 Third Ave. SE, Suite D, Everett, WA 98208. The deadline is Sunday, July 12.
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