Open Hand Atlanta volunteers receive surprise gift in recognition of service

December 12th, 2023

Carvana donated three cars to volunteers at Open Hand Atlanta, a local non-profit that uses volunteers and their personal vehicles to provide meal delivery and nutrition services. (Photo courtesy of Carvana)

Recently, three individuals who donate their time year-round to help deliver meals with their own personal vehicles for the non-profit Open Hand Atlanta were each gifted a surprise car.

The vehicles came courtesy of auto dealer Carvana, a company initially launched in Atlanta as part of its Hauler Days campaign. Carvana is giving back to the community to help address transportation gaps.

Open Hand Atlanta executive director Matthew Pieper and Emily Williams with Carvana spoke with “All Things Considered” about the giveaway.

Williams said that Carvana is pleased to partner with Open Hand to donate cars to committed volunteers, helping a charity that provides nourishing meals and nutrition education to needy neighbors.

According to Open Hand, in 2022, they delivered almost 1.5 million medically tailored, home-delivered meals across 43 counties in Georgia. Almost all of Open Hand’s clients live below the poverty line. Over 70% are 60 or older, and 85% are from diverse backgrounds.

Open Hand recommended three volunteers to Carvana, from which they initially intended to select one recipient but decided to give cars to all three.

The volunteers were each surprised with a new vehicle on Open Hand’s campus in Atlanta, but Williams said they would all be given the chance to make their own choices on the right car for them.

Christopher Alston contributed to this report.