Army veteran, single mother surprised with donated Cadillac through community effort
Community partners unite to provide reliable transportation and a fresh start for East Northport veteran Christina and her daughter.
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An East Northport Army veteran and single mother who has struggled with transportation challenges received an unexpected gift Friday morning when local veterans organizations, labor unions, elected officials and community partners presented her with a donated vehicle.
Christina, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2004 to 2009, including a deployment to Iraq, was surprised with a certified pre-owned Cadillac XT5 during a presentation at King O'Rourke Cadillac in Smithtown. Organizers said the vehicle will help her care for her daughter, Chloe, who has disabilities, while also allowing her to remain active in the veteran community.
The donation was made possible through fundraising from the McNamara Charity Golf Outing, support from King O'Rourke Cadillac, Suffolk County labor unions and several veterans organizations, including Paws of War and United Veterans Beacon House.
"I get to go to the grocery store, drive myself to doctor's appointments," Christina said after receiving the keys. "I'm so excited to just be able to be out there on the road and have my freedom again."
The veteran, who lives with PTSD, said reliable transportation has been one of the biggest obstacles facing her family. She said the vehicle will enable her daughter, who is homeschooled, to participate in more educational and recreational activities.
"Now she gets to go to the aquarium, the library, whenever she wants without having to take Uber," Christina said. "This is literally going to change our lives."
Christina said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of those who helped make the donation possible.
"I had no idea that this was going to even happen," she said. "My heart is so full right now."
Chris McNamara, who runs the McNamara Charity Golf Outing, said the annual golf outing, now in its 17th year, focuses on helping veterans, veteran families and first responders. McNamara said support from local trades and community organizations ultimately covered this vehicle's cost, allowing the golf outing donations to be redirected toward rent, medical expenses and insurance.
"We're giving back to veterans and first responders," McNamara said. "So many people stepped up with us."
State Sen. Mario Mattera credited Suffolk County's labor community and veterans organizations for making the donation possible. He said the Building & Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties (NSBCTC) contributed $30,000 toward the purchase of the vehicle.
"We are so proud that we are giving back to people that protected us from harm's way," Mattera said. "It is not a handout - it's a hand up. We could never do enough for our veterans."
For Christina, the vehicle provides more than transportation. She said it represents a new beginning and a chance to continue supporting fellow veterans who may be facing challenges of their own.
