(WBBM NEWSRADIO) —It started with a hug in 2018.
Channahon resident Morgan Owens had just gone through a divorce and was a struggling single parent.
“Our family had split off from a year-long battle,” she said. “My husband had an opioid addiction, and we went through a lot of financial changes.”
That’s when the nonprofit Shorewood HUGS stepped in to lend a hand and gave Owens a Christmas gift for her family to get haircuts, new clothes and a trip to the movies.
“That hug was the encouragement I needed. It just gave me wind in my sails to keep moving forward.”
Now, she wants to pass a hug onto another single mom while checking something off of her bucket list.
“I've always wanted to do a marathon. I've always enjoyed running. I’m short and I’m clumsy and I don't run fast, but it is a huge stress reliever and I love nature.”
While training for the Chicago marathon, Owens partnered with Shorewood HUGS and D’Arcy Motors to raise money to buy another single mom a used car.
“In the beginning of my journey as a single mom, that was a huge hurdle for me, too,” said Owens. “I could no longer afford car payments, and I needed a used car that wasn't going to be in the shop all the time.”
D’Arcy Motors agreed to match the funds raised by Owens up to $5,000.
So far, she’s raised more than $8,000.
Owens tells WBBM Newsradio she’s looking forward to running the marathon Oct. 10, but she’s more eager to change someone else’s life on Oct. 12.
“I'm excited to see her get the keys to this car, I'm excited to see the hope be ignited in her face — that’s going to be just one of the best days of my life.”
The used car will mark Shorewood HUGS’ 1,000th wish fulfilled since it was founded in 2008.
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