Club aids families of sick children

The car club's next show will be in August.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club members take pride in showing off and cruising in their vintage vehicles, but the club has come to be about much more than classic wheels.
Club member cars range from the classic 1931 Ford Model A to the sporty 1970 Ford Torino and a little bit of everything between. Virtually any car with 25 years under its hood qualifies.
Most residents have seen the owners of these vehicles at car shows, cruising in classic convertibles during parades or showing the cars to kids at various schools and social events.
Not many, however, are aware of the charity involved in the club's yearly operations. The club has donated more than 39,000 to area residents, mostly sick children, from 1999 through 2006.
Carol Faustino, club secretary, said people from the community contact one of the 230 club members and offer the names of children who are facing some type of difficulty that may be a financial strain on their families. Club members determine who most needs the club's help.
"Sometimes we have a hard time selecting just one person," she said. "Our club is about having fun with old cars, but we raise money that helps with good causes. We really do good for the entire Valley."
How this began
John Dietz, club vice president, said club donations started in 1988 after a child was struck by a car in Liberty Township. He said the club had extra funds and decided to help the family with a monetary gift.
The club now makes three separate donations annually to three families facing financial hardship because of a child's medical condition. The club also makes annual donations to Hospice of the Valley.
Dietz said the club collects donations during its annual Christmas dinner, annual spring banquet and annual car show held in Boardman Township Park. Funds from each of those events is given to three families.
Proceeds from the upcoming car show in August will go to the family of 3-year-old Owen Waller. Owen was diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 21 months.
Club member James Kocher said the club tries to select a younger person when looking for a donation recipient. He said families with high medical bills for children face incredible hardships when those bills begin to interfere with household necessities.
"One thing people don't understand is that when you have a sick kid, you have bills that really begin to pile up, and it will begin to show. You would be surprised what people with sick kids need, and others have no idea," he said.
Dietz said an added bonus to the club's charitable efforts is the chance to be part of a large network of giving.
"We hope better health and better life come out of all this and we hope that others see what we do and begin to do similar things as well," he said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com