An auto repair shop in North Texas has expanded a program that provides free cars to people nominated by family and friends. Auto Experts of Colleyville launched "Autos of Love" in 2024.
The shop gave away one car the first year and two in 2025. This year, Auto Experts of Colleyville has given away a total of eight cars.
"We take donated vehicles, rehabilitate them, fix them up then turn around and donate them to folks who need transportation," says Auto Experts of Colleyville's Dane Bailey.
People cannot nominate themselves. Bailey says family and friends who suggest someone must show the person has a driver license and can provide their own insurance. He says nominees must also show they have a need for the car and have the ability to pay for necessities like gas.
"We wanted these vehicles to go to someone who would put it to the greatest use," Bailey says. "What I mean by that is there are plenty of people who may have greater needs, but if they can't afford basic necessities to use the vehicle, we don't want to see a vehicle that just sits in a driveway or parking lot."
Earlier this year, the shop gave away three cars. This week, they told four others they had been nominated. When they came for interviews, the shop surprised them with keys and told them they had already been selected.
"For me, it was just complete shock. I don't want to say, 'disbelief,' but this was not what I was expecting at all," says Barbara Farison. "It was amazing. I was speechless, it was the answer to lots of prayers."
Farison is working as a substitute teacher and studying to become a radiology tech. Her car broke down, and she says she has been using public transportation, friends and rental cars to get her kids to school, get to her own classes and get to work.
"My kids are always at school. I make sure they're not late," she says. "I keep them in the dark as much as possible about how stressful this life is. I cry a lot after they go to bed."
"This will really relieve a lot of unnecessary stress and guilt," says Sarah Derden.
Derden says her mother has lent her a car, but she has taken a second job to pay bills and keep custody of her son.
"I was in addiction for a really long time," she says. "I have almost eight years sober, but it's hard to build your life back up. To have something that will be my own makes it so much easier."
Auto Experts' Bailey says the cars they give away are donated by others. He says the shop then restores the cars and also provides recipients with a year of maintenance.
An additional car was donated this year that was too damaged to repair. Bailey says they gave that car to Grapevine Colleyville ISD for students taking auto shop classes.
"This is going to maybe ten people who can put it to use," he says. "It'll help with their education and their career skills."
Bailey launched "Autos of Love" three years ago. They have since registered as a 509(c)(3) nonprofit. More information is available at https://autosoflove.org/.
