Ho! Ho! Ho! It's 'Car Santa'

Former Used Car Dealer's Program Donates Vehicles To Deserving Recipients In Need

(CBS)  A car can tell a lot about a life, especially Jackie Goodyear's car, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman reports in this week's Assignment America.

"He shattered my windshield. He kicked in my van," Goodyear says, referring to her ex. He was so abusive, and sometimes so violent, she says, that she'd take the kids, run to the car and lock the door.

"I would just sit in the car," and he would pound from the outside in. "And I drive around with that memory and that thought. And someday, I'll have a nice vehicle," Goodyear adds.

That someday was today.

Ten years ago, Terry Franz started Cars for Christmas. Franz owned a used car lot in Kansas City and, as a promotion, he gave away some cars to people who couldn't afford them.

"It's about how you can change somebody's life with something that simple," Franz says.

Today, Franz gets people to donate their used cars. Mechanics volunteer to fix them up and local charities help Terry find deserving recipients. There's no shortage of those: This year alone, his group has given away more than 200 cars.

"I do better at giving them away than selling them I guess," Franz says when asked what happened to his used-car lot.

When he arrived to give Jackie Goodyear her car, she was confused, Franz explains.

"What I saw when I pulled up was, first off, a very confused look on her face, like, what is this about?," Franz says. She began crying tears of joy when he gave her the car.

Goodyear was nominated by Hope House, a local women's shelter that's been helping her.

She hugged everyone — repeatedly — right down to the cameraman. She was so grateful to finally be rid of that ugly reminder of some tough times.

"It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful," Goodyear says. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

"People always ask me why do you do it. Take a look, and it's self-explanatory," Franz says.

Terry's not a wealthy Santa, and because he's so much of his own time and money, Hartman reports, he's actually fallen behind on his own car payments — way behind — like he could lose it. ExxonMobil, sponsor of Assignment America, has agreed to completely pay off his loan.

[tourbi-2009]

Car Santa is wonderful, a great story. Thank you for the great work and care that you use to tell the stories.
Good work. Please keep it up!!

Happy Holy Days for you and your family!!

tourbi

[charlyc-2009]

I love this story and would like to know how can I get in contact with car santa...his story has really touch my heart and made me cry...Because I have a love one who I would truelly want for God to bless me to bless her with a car she a very giving remarkeble women and always put God first in her life...I just hope God hears my prayers tonight so I can give her something I can't. And that is a car, I just want my story to be heard and thank u.

[Pentax69]

I think that this was by far the best story of the year, granted it was at Christmas time, but it made me break down, and ponder the giving spirit of some of the average people, that don't have 2.2 billion dollars to donate to a charity. I felt really happy for the lady, and it wouldn't have mattered what time of the year it was, to recieve such a gift.

[jerijaxfl]

This story was very touching. It shows that one person can make a difference.
A good story, proving there is always Hope.
There are still people that are are basically good at heart. We need to see more of this type
stories, instead of the Hollywood hoopla.

[purplerose9]

I really think that this story truelly show's the heart of people. There are not too many people like this. I would like the info to get in contact with the car santa as well. I know someone who deserves a car and is struggling bad. Please email me with the info. Merry christmas and happy new years.

[schminko]

I loved the story you did on Terry Fray and the incredible way he has and still blessing so many people with a car. That story you did on Friday night really touched my heart and I am sure it has touched many other viewers as well. If possible, I would love to email Terry myself and tell him what a great job he is doing.

Thanks for sharing that story with us!

Merry Christmas!

[sherylann5]

I loved the story about car santa.I had to watch it three times (each time teary-eyed). I am so happy for Jackie too! Now she can drive with a smile everyday knowing that someone cared. May you be able to touch hearts for a long time.
God Bless You. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

PS Terry, I hope you enjoy your car too!

[mgpm-2009]

This was the best story of the year on this website. Thanks Steve!!! And thanks to Terry for having such a generous heart to help people in need. I feel blessed just reading this story. To read something about the genuine spirit of Christmas is so rare and refreshing to the spirit after the soul choking stories about Donald Trump and Britney Spears.

God Bless You, Terry. And you, too Steve!

[juliehg-2009]

I agree, this was the best story of the year. It's the everyday people-in-the-weeds who have a true understanding of "give from the heart."

I am so tired of celebrity "news" items. Many of the folks with millions give because their accountant advises them to and because it is always easier to write a check. Generous, kind people give with no strings attached.

Folks who are suffering don't really care whether Britney is wearing underwear or whether Donald and Rosie hit or miss each other slinging rude, childish comments. Come on people -- grow up!

Thanks for the story Steve. This one was right up there with "Ralphie's Red Ryder BB Gun." Way to go Mr. Franz. And to ExxonMobil? Thanks for being Santa's Helper.

[dustydkc]

What a great project, I wonder if people realize how tough is is to function in todays world with out transportation. I was without a car for a few years and many charities helped me as I couldn't leave the house. I finally got a old car and I have been able to get to a new job and don't need anyones help to make it anymore. The Car Santa id badly needed , I hope more people support him, Debra

[rconti2]

I was at the event with friends... you missed half of the real story - MRS. CLAUS and her cute little elves!!! They said she was with the other organization there - Teams Together. (they had a banner on the wall) Mrs. Claus and her elves passed out presents to all the kids and the elves passed out cookies all day. They were great, and real cute - a nice touch from last years give away! I've heard of them, and they do a lot of good work in our community. They were the ones that gave the cars away in Louisiana last Christmas, as our new neighbor's cousin got one from them. He was from New Orleans and put into another town that he couldn't get around in, and the Teams Together people gave him a car.

[selpats2]

Cars for Christmas was really a heartwarming, tearful, and just made us feel good.CBS really did a good job at presenting this story. Just hearing something positive was refreshing. Santa really did make a difference !!!

[flyerkc54]

This is by far the best story CBS has done all year. Steve I dont know where you find these people but the people you find makes me proud to live in America. Play more stories like this we are tired of doom and gloom stories. We would like more info on the Car Santa. Don't lose track of this guy. Tell us more as he keeps helping people.

[yankapoo]

that's what christmas is all about?

[mena13]

This is truely a great christmas story! It represents the true idea of giving. What great human beings Terry Franz and all his little helper are. Perhaps, there is a great lesson in his mission. Sometimes being kind requires proactive effort and that is what cars for Christmas is all about! I hope this kind of story will generate a snowball affect of loving thy fellow human and that it will inspire other networks to focus on the good news in the world as there is plenty of it out there.

Happy Holidays,


"be kind"

[carsanta]

Thank You Everyone for all the kind comments.
Meeting Steve was a great experience and I can tell you he is one of the most sincere and nicest guys I have met in the media. Thanks for the Truck payoff Steve and Thanks ExxonMobile, the Car Santa and helpers will only buy your gas in the future and I hope its a lot of gas.
Help bring us to your town.
Those of you that want more info see: www.cars4christmas.org
Car Santa

[donnalu32]

abc,nbc,cnn,fox,msnbc, and anyone else, Pay attention to what has just aired on CBS. News is not always bad . I wonder how many people will be inspires by the Car Santa and how many more people will start helping others. Thanks Katie for airing something good.

[mixfamily-2009]

Car Santa, You are doing what most of us just talk about, giving unselfishly. You are a inspiration to us all. I hope everyone see's this broadcast and helps someone it their community. Pass it Forward so to speak. Steve this is by far the best story you have aired this year. Don't lose track of the Car Santa , I have the feeling his story is just getting started. ExxonMobile you have my loyality , I will always buy your gas.
Keep it up,
Cindy

[sweetangel9]

hey car santa, i watched how you give cars out to prople who need them. heres my problem: my fiancee' and i have a beat up truck and monwy is short for us vause im 3 months pregnant and this is our first 1. its an 88 gmc, we put soo much money into the truck and it still breaking down, if u would like to know more please contact me at [e-mail], thank you.

Ashley