A Buckeye mother of five wept in the arms of Stacy Jarrett in the repair garage at Christian Brothers Automotive Buckeye Monday after receiving the keys to a car replacing an unrepairable vehicle she had brought in to keep her Doordash business alive.
“This is divine providence," said Sister Cecilia Rose, who, with Sister Madeleine Carmel were on hand from Sisters of Life, an outreach for women going through crisis during pregnancy.
Maria Lopez has five children, with a sixth on the way. She provides for her family by driving for DoorDash, the online food delivery service, but crisis struck when her vehicle needed serious repair.
Enter Sisters of Life.
“This is a little rare for us,” said Sister Cecilia. “We’re normally about diapers and clothing.”
The convent, through its nonprofit, receives monetary donations and does its best to provide resources needed in the community.
After meeting with Lopez, the convent reached out to Christian Brothers Automotive in Buckeye.
Pat and Stacey Jarrett arranged to have the vehicle towed to their shop off Yuma and Watson roads, but quickly determined Lopez’s car was unrepairable.
Call it coincidence, luck or divine providence, the Jarretts had a vehicle that they were hoping to give away to someone in need.
“We try to give away one or two vehicles every year,” said Pat Jarrett, who explained that the franchise is ready to step up to provide service to the community in times of need.
“During October during the Day of Service we provide oil changes, brakes and even tires,” Pat Jarrett said. Last year, the shop provided service for 35 customers.
Outside of that, the franchise was looking for someone who they could help with the gift of a vehicle.
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse they provided came from another customer who sold it to the repair shop earlier.
“It needed about $6,000 in engine work,” Stacey said.
Beyond that, the shop outfitted the car with new tires and brakes and handed it off to Lopez.
“I was completely shocked,” Lopez said. She said it was her birthday when she heard that the Jarrett’s planned to give her the car.
With new keys in hand, Lopez did her best to thank the Jarretts. Though words failed her, the tears and grateful hugs spoke volumes.
The staff at Christian Brothers Automotive, gathered with Lopez, Sister Cecilia and Sister Madeleine Carmel to offer a blessing on the vehicle, asking for divine providence to once again allow Lopez to provide for her growing family.
“We are blessed in that we can pay it forward,” Pat Jarrett said.
Sisters of Life
The small convent of sisters in Phoenix spend much of their time in prayer and outreach in the community and at the ASU Tempe campus.
Women seeking resources or help through pregnancy can contact the sisters at 480-389-5650 or online.
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