Parklane Christian Reformed Church in Portland, Ore., is surrounded by residents who may have low income or are elderly and living on fixed incomes. Regular car care can be an expensive proposition.
So the church helps out by offering free oil changes three times a year. Since 2006, 30 volunteers get down and dirty with the neighbors’ cars. Volunteers serviced 57 cars at its most recent event.
While the cars get cared for, the neighbors get cared for at a hospitality center in the church where they can participate in an exchange of used items or receive free food.
Rev. Vance Hays, pastor of Parklane, said the service the church provides only costs about $20. “But for a lot of people, 20 bucks is a lot of money,” he said. “We keep doing it because it is fun and it reaches people.”
About the Author
Amy Toornstra is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Salem, Oregon.
