Mother-of-four Julisiana Olivarez has been scrambling to maintain a reliable vehicle for six months while juggling children’s medical appointments, getting to and from work, and incurring the cost of taxi and Uber rides. Thanks to the Benevolence Program of Zara’s Collision Center, many of Julisiana’s transportation challenges are behind her now that she has received a 2012 Nissan Altima during a Facebook Live event today at Zara’s facility.

“I’ve had some struggles in the past but I’ve taken steps over the last three years to change my life,” said Olivarez. “Not having a vehicle, and then not having a reliable one, made getting myself on the right path more difficult. This car will let me continue to move forward with a healthy lifestyle and one that I’m trying to instill in my children.” 

To be eligible for a vehicle as part of the Benevolence Program a person must be associated with a not-for-profit agency or church, have a valid driver’s license or be in the process of receiving one, have a good driving record, and have a verified need for a vehicle.
“It goes without saying that this has been a tough year for everybody” said Julie Zara, co-owner of Zara’s Collision Center. “But for people without transportation or who have had family members or their employment impacted by COVID, the repercussions just snowball. We feel so blessed that we can help make the future more hopeful for a special person like Julisiana.”
The Nissan Altima was donated by a Zara’s customer and longtime supporter of the Benevolence Program. Zara’s coordinated a comprehensive maintenance check to verify the vehicles’ safety and reliability, along with full detailing.
“We love the enthusiasm and community feel of our typical luncheon that has been a part of this event in the past,” said owner Brad Zara, “but social distancing considerations that so many businesses have had to adapt to necessitated a more flexible approach this year. Fortunately, we were able to use Facebook Live and have an inclusive, successful event.”
Zara’s vendors, employees, friends, family, and insurance professionals also actively support the program. Over fifty donors contributed to the program this year providing services along with cash donations exceeding $10,000 for insurance, gifts, and other needs to benefit recipients. A list follows of individuals and entities providing financial support.

Zara’s Collision Center is located at 3117 Wide Track Drive in Springfield. The company has restored and donated nearly 45 vehicles over two decades of the Benevolence Program’s existence. 

Donors
Aaron & Kari Brewer  *Accessories Unlimited: Brion Kauffman
AdMeliora Consulting  Akzo Nobel Coatings
Allan Hamilton Agency  Ann Vaughn
*Auto Glass Systems  Automotive Equipment Sales & Service
*AutoZone Butler Funeral Homes
Country Financial: Julie Hale-Miller Agency Dan Deweese Painting & Wood Finishing
David Hensley, CPA  Dennis & Joyce Miller
Eli Goodman, MD Garrett Downing
Greg & Tracye O’Connor  Harvey & Barb Lomelino
ISI Printing – Jim Palazzolo Jeff Vignali
Jerry & Lisa Quick  JG & S Co.
Jim Zara John & Wendee Sutyak
Jostes Garage & Towing  *Keystone Automotive-LKQ Corp
*Lauterbach Tire & Auto  LifeMap Wealth Mgmt – Jerry Seibert 
Ley Metals Linda Doom
Megan & Evan Carls  Mike & Lori Downing
Mike & Sherri Zara  National Coatings & Supply
On The Mark Lawn Care: Mark & Kim Woolard Paszkiewicz Marketing
Peterman Financial Group  Pure News USA
R&S Towing Randy & Marianne Setterlund
Raymond & Carol Poe  Rich Brauer
Richard Gantt Rick & Pam Gantt
Rick & Laura Norton  S&K Buick GMC
Scooter’s Lawn Care  ThinkFirst, Injury Prevention Program
State Farm Insurance – Bill McGee Steve & Debbie Thomas
Stu & Beverly Vost

* Benevolence Partner