Vehicle awarded to Citrus College student veteran
No one had to tell Citrus College student veteran James Whitaker that this past winter featured a record-breaking amount of rainfall. He knew that by walking to the bus stop in order to get to and from home, work and class. After weeks of trudging through heavy downpours, James wished he had his own car.
As an active and engaged student, James often visited the Veterans Success Center to speak with counselor David Rodriguez or to catch up with fellow student veterans. He would feel refreshed by spending time with friends, and he brightened other students' days with his easy-going nature. It was during one of these visits that Mr. Rodriguez and Maria Buffo, director of the Veterans Success Center, decided to nominate James for the chance to win a free car.
Since 2013, the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) and Seidner's Collision Centers have partnered to give away one vehicle each year to a family in need, especially to households with former members of the military. James, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and newlywed, was a perfect match.
On April 12, James was presented with a 2013 Toyota Prius at Seidner's Collision Center in Duarte. After receiving the title and the keys, he drove away to a cheering crowd.
"When I learned that James was selected to win the car, I was ecstatic," said Ms. Buffo. "He is such a kind and helpful person who cares so much for others. I am grateful for the generosity of AAA and the hard work of the highly skilled technicians at Seidner's Collision Centers. They have dramatically improved this wonderful person's quality of life."
The new-to-him car will help James focus on graduating from Citrus College and eventually obtaining his bachelor's degree to fulfill his dream of becoming an accountant. His wife, Sarah, will also benefit from being able to take the car to her work with special needs children at the Oneonta Cooperative Nursery School in South Pasadena. On the weekends, volunteering at local animal rescue shelters — the couple's favorite pastime — will become easier for both of them.
This article originally appeared in the May 2019 edition of the Citrus View.