With a little paint, a little oil and a few donated parts, students at Utah Valley State College have created a Merry Christmas out of hard luck for a Springville family.
Members of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America restored a broken-down, dingy black truck into a gleaming white vehicle with new belts, spark plugs, filters, brakes and tires.They repaired a major oil leak, replaced the battery and seals and tuned it up.
The total contribution, including parts and labor, would have cost the owner $2,500 - money the father of four did not have.
Jack Wright of Springville, second semester auto student and treasurer of the industrial club, initiated the project for his parent's neighbor's truck when he discovered the plight of the family.
The father had lost his job because he was ill. The family was evicted and had to relocate.
At that point, the VICA club members decided to help, moving in to repair the truck as well as give it a new look.
Wright, along with Dave Torgerson of Loa and Russell Anderson of Delta, worked on the truck two and three hours daily for a week, in addition to attending their classes, taking finals and working their jobs.
"I am impressed that the students asked to do this project. They represent a new breed of auto technicians, very honest ones," said Todd Low, UVSC auto instructor and VICA advisor.
"It's a good feeling to put your skills to work to help someone in the community at Christmastime," said Wright.
Auto instructor Chase Mitchell said he couldn't believe how much help the group received from local auto body shops, donating parts, paint, tires and expertise.