Anderson gets mobile with help from Martin

Brigitte Anderson, center, with her sons Mario and Deter Schill, accepted a 'new' truck yesterday from Barbara Kiser of First Presbyterian Church and Don Neumeyer of Martin Midstream Partners. Friday afternoon Brigitte Anderson became the proud owner of a 1999 GMC pickup truck. In itself that seems ordinary, but not so for Anderson.

Anderson, manager of the thrift shop at Kilgore Crisis Center, walked to work every day because she had no vehicle and could not afford one.

The generosity of two groups, Martin Midstream Partners and The Missions Ministry Team of the First Presbyterian Church made it possible for individuals who need transportation to work to have it through the covenant car program.

Barbara Kiser, First Presbyterian Church, said the program is a form of ministry and has been operating for the last six years.

Kiser said the covenant car program is financed through private donations and utilizes volunteer labor.

Margaret Martin was the driving force behind this donation, according to Don Neumeyer, executive vice president of Martin Midstream Partners Inc. "We have a very large vehicle fleet and every few years we have to rotate vehicles out and this 1999 GMC was on that list," said Neumeyer. "We did not just want to hand someone the vehicle as it was, though we wanted to make sure it was in great shape throughout."

Neumeyer said Martin Midstream spent $1300 fixing up the vehicle so it will last for many years.

Neumeyer presented the truck keys to Anderson at the Kilgore Crisis Center on Friday. Her sons, Mario Schill, 16 and Deter Schill, 18 - both Kilgore High School students - were present.

Anderson was overjoyed and tried to hold back the tears when Neumeyer presented her with the keys and Kiser presented her with a silver cross key chain.

Anderson said she will still walk to work from time to time because it is good exercise but it is a joy to know she has reliable transportation if she needs it now.

Susie Prater, Kilgore Crisis Center and Anderson's boss, said Anderson has been a reliable, committed manager who regularly supervises volunteers, winning the loyalty of the crisis center's employees.

Kiser said Anderson's friends describe her as a "most compassionate, reliable, selfless and amazingly dedicated person with a very strong work ethic."

Dr. Bill Ingersoll, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, was also on hand to congratulate Anderson.

Kiser said the program continues as long as people, or companies like Martin Midstream Properties, donate vehicles. "If anyone wishes to donate a vehicle they can call the First Presbyterian Church at (903) 984-1502.

Kiser said the program also depends on members of the community such as Larry Woodfin, of Woodfin Automotive. He evaluates donated vehicles for reliability and does the needed repairs. "Once the vehicle is considered reliable transportation to and from the workplace, a list of candidates are considered and the vehicle is awarded," said Kiser.