Gloria Kennard of Bryan received a new 2027 Kia Seltos, a purchase made possible by more than 170 donors and local businesses, friends and supporters said at a celebration at her home on Friday.
Kennard has hosted a free Thanksgiving meal since 1988, which now feeds more than 2,000 people each year. She also hosts a New Year's Day meal and has volunteered at The Bridge Ministries food pantry for 16 years. Her truck was totaled in a crash on East Martin Luther King Street on July 29, while she was on her way to Bible study and choir rehearsal. Friends at The Bridge Ministries started a GoFundMe with a $15,000 goal. Kent Moore Cabinets also donated $10,000.
Emma Bridges, Development and Outreach Coordinator at The Bridge Ministries, said the campaign raised more than $27,000. Kennard said she is looking forward to driving again and plans to learn the car's push-button start. Her first stops will be Bible study, church and her volunteer shifts.