LAHAINA, Hawaii (KHON2) -- Twenty families affected by the devastating Maui wildfires have a new set of wheels thanks to a generous donation.
Local non-profit "Cars for Maui" launched as a response to the tragic event with a goal to help wildfire survivors get back on their feet.
According to founders Mark Tucker and Beth Holiday, more than 4,000 vehicles were destroyed in the fires, forcing families to use alternate transportation ever since.
Cars for Maui invited the lucky recipients to Aloha Rent A Car, where they were gifted with their new wheels.
"We told a lady that we had a car for her. She just broke down in tears. She said 'I'm using all my money to send my kids to school with Uber and Lyft.' She goes 'This is such a huge thing for our family,'" explained co-founder Mark Tucker.
Prior to the event, Cars for Maui had donated 10 vehicles to Lahaina residents within the last year, thanking the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation for the "generous grant" that helps make this dream a reality for many.
With the help of the Maui Strong Fund, 50 cars will be available for local recipients.
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"We do have 150 applicants as of today, with more coming in every day. So this is just to start. Providing them with a donated car helps them reestablish their livelihoods and connections to family and community," Tucker added.
For more information or to make a donation, visit the Cars for Maui website.