Ellis & Salazar Leads Charitable Effort for a Decade

AUSTIN, TX, December 22, 2011 (Press-News.org) December 15, 2011 marked Ellis & Salazar's 10 year anniversary leading an annual charitable effort for Child, Inc.'s Responsible Parenting Initiative. Since the program's inception in 2002, Ellis & Salazar , an Austin area collision repair shop, has individually awarded 15 newly refurbished vehicles and organized other business partners to contribute an overall total to date of 56 vehicles to local families in need.

Maintaining the holiday tradition of giving, Ellis & Salazar and Child Inc surprised another five, low-income Austin families this year with a new autos to support them in taking care of their children. The ribbon-clad vehicles were delivered to its new owners at a ceremony on December 15th at Promise Land Church, 1504 East 51st Street at 2:00 PM.

Ellis & Salazar aims to recognize low-income families who demonstrate initiative to become less dependent on public assistance, pursue some form of training, and participate in the education and development of their children.

Joe Lewright, Program Creator in Austin, Coordinator and part owner of Ellis & Salazar stated, "The best part about donating our time, parts and labor to the Responsible Parenting Initiative, is watching the glowing faces of parents when we surprise them with a new vehicle. To them, this isn't just a car - it's a reliable form of transportation they can use to support their family."

With Ellis & Salazar serving as the model, other businesses have started supporting Child, Inc. Additional 2011 participants included Leif Johnson Ford, who donated three vehicles as well as Custom Car Crafters, who donated one car. All of the new car owners received six months of paid insurance along with gifts for the children for the holidays.

Families eligible to receive donations through the Responsible Parenting Initiative start by sending letters to participating local businesses. Families are then chosen based on a set of guidelines that illustrate the parent's pro-active involvement in their child's development and education. The selected families are then asked to meet for a final interview where they are surprised with the keys to their newly refurbished vehicle.

Each year, Lewright reaches out to local business owners and encourages them to join in the growing number of participants donating goods and services to those in need. For 10 years, Lewright has organized the donation of over 50 vehicles to Austin families. This year, with the help of local small business education and consulting firm, Big Austin, Ellis & Salazar expanded its reach to the military, donating a newly refurbished vehicle to a veteran in need.

Joining Ellis & Salazar in this effort were five strategic partners donating time, money and parts including Leif Johnson Ford, Custom Car Crafters, Enterprise Rent A Car, Celebration of Love and Metro Realty. Ellis & Salazar is also seeking donations from the community for next year's ceremony.

Find out more information on donating by contacting lisa@ellisandsalazar.com.

About Ellis & Salazar
For over 50 years, Ellis & Salazar Garage and Body Shops have been a leading provider of auto body repair services in the Austin area. From dent repair to complete restorations, Ellis & Salazar provide full body and paint services for all makes and models, backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty at any of their three locations in Austin, TX.

Ellis & Salazar recognizes the importance of community involvement, donating time, money, parts and services to numerous charities and organizations each year.

Due to their honest approach, commitment to quality workmanship, and continual community involvement, Ellis & Salazar Garage and Body Shop has established itself as a trusted leader in Austin area auto repair since 1953.

About Child Inc

Child Inc, founded in 1971, is a nonprofit organization operating to provide low-income children and families with early childhood education, and services for needs in the areas of mental health, disabilities, nutrition, medical, dental and social services, as well as parental engagement opportunities.

Child Inc. can trace its origins to the 1960s when Project Head Start was one of the first initiatives in President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty." Head Start is one of the anti-poverty programs that has proven its worth, and continues to exist and work towards elimination of poverty through fostering educational success for low-income children. Child Inc. has been the Head Start grantee for Travis County since 1972.

Through four decades of service, Child Inc. has prepared more than 40,000 preschool children and their parents to succeed in school and in life.

For more information, visit us at www.childinc.org.