Feb. 27, 2023–When Mike Rucker started repairing cars in his neighborhood for no cost, he knew it was something he enjoyed, but couldn’t afford to keep performing free repairs. That’s when his wife, Sandy, had the idea for him to start a 501(c)(3), and Give Back Garage was born, according to the Press.
The Give Back Garage is a nonprofit in Brentwood, California that helps those who can afford “regular car maintenance” be able to access the services they need. Individuals simply fill out a form to be approved, and if it is, will receive repairs “for free if not at a relatively low cost.”
Not only that, but the garage serves as an after-school program for high school students interested in learning about entering the automotive field. Rucker has a full-time job and can only work in the garage on the weekends, but on Monday, students come in to help.
Rucker said the students have done a variety of jobs, from “brakes and suspension” to repairing “a head gasket with us once.”
Local high school junior Kira Westmoreland is one of the kids that regularly participates in the program, and has now been motivated to explore a career in the automotive industry.
“I’m excited to go to college and become a mechanic because of this. I have opportunities now,” Westmoreland said.
