AutoPact is opening its doors today at two locations, 5130 South Blvd. and 5006 Albemarle Road. To celebrate the openings, the stores are donating service work to
Charlotte's Cars for Work program. Keys to three cars will be presented to Caroline Meyers, president of Crisis Assistance Ministry and Michael Elder, president of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
to be given to program participants who need transportation in order to improve their way of life."We fix cars that have been given to the Cars for Work program at our own expense and
turn them back over to those who need the cars," said Ben Keyes, the Albemarle Road store manager.
"Being able to participate in this program just makes me feel really good about being able to
help out and make a difference."
Cars for Work is a partnership between Crisis Assistance Ministry and Goodwill Industries of
the Southern Piedmont. It was established in Mecklenburg County in 1998 and has donated 62 cars.
Cars are donated in good working condition and mechanics around spruce them up and
donate it back to the program. Participants who are referred to the program by a case worker receive a car for transportation to work.
Car donors receive an IRS tax deduction and Cars for Work accepts automobiles, trucks and vans. All vehicles must be in good running condition.
Still, some vehicles need more work. That is where AutoPact comes in with mechanical assistance at no cost to Cars for Work.
Gayle Scott, Cars for Work's program manager, said she is glad the company is offering its
services.
"We will be getting quality work, but for free. The money we will save will help us put the money back into the budget to fix other cars," she said. "Before we had a percentage of cars
where we could give away about 47 percent and the rest would have to go to salvage. With AutoPact offering to fix the cars for free, that will allow us to get more cars fixed."
Scott said AutoPact approached her with the idea, which she couldn't believe at first.
"They are looking to fix at least six cars a month and I believe those six cars would add up
and really help us in the future. When they got called and said have I got a deal for you I was surprised but I'm glad people are willing to do the work."
AutoPact offers a monthly plan with one set charge covering all repairs and maintenance. Work is done based on the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance and necessary
repairs. The company is headquartered in Charlotte with five locations across the state.
"What we are trying to do is change the way customers get service on their cars," Keyes said
