Cummins Sales and Service and Valvoline stepped up in a big way, donating labor, oil and parts to service the cars of domestic violence survivors staying at the Crisis Center of West Texas’ Angel House Shelter on Saturday.
“We are so proud to partner with Valvoline and Cummins Diesel to provide oil changes and services to domestic violence victims,” Crisis Center of West Texas Executive Director Karen Hildebrand said. “One of the most important things you need is a car that runs. Sometimes that’s one of the things that gets cut off the list when you have limited income.”
Employees of Cummins Sales and Service provided free preventative maintenance services on donated time. Halloween fun and food was also prepared, including face painting, candy, balloons and for children. It was all to provide a sense of relief for women experiencing hardship.
Cummins Gulf Region Corporate Responsibility Leader Darrin Mellinger and reached out to Crisis Center Director of Client Services Lauren Roblez about creating an opportunity to serve shelter residents and Cummins Gulf Region General Manager helped to rally employees at the Cummins Sales and Service Odessa location on 1210 S. Grandview Ave
“I think it’s absolutely critical because a lot of these women are going through crazy situations –traumatic situations,” Mellinger said. “If they have on one hand to feed their kids or to get to doctor’s appointments or things like that or to get to a safe place or get their oil changed. We all know that those pressing priorities are going to make it out first. By changing the oil I think we’re giving them a little bit of piece of mind.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Crisis Center of West Texas will continue to look for avenues to raise awareness on the issue that has plagued its community.