KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Throughout the year, we talk to you about the people who need cars. The local organization Cars 4 Heroes donates around 300 a year. We’re helping donate a few right here on FOX4.

Most of the time we never hear about what happens after the car is handed over, but this achievement shows how close the loop can be.

While a car isn’t all a person needs in life, for a Kansas City family, a car has given them a better chance at life.

Travis Aikin’s car isn’t new. It’s not bright and it’s seen better days

“It’s a 2000 Concorde. Chrysler Concorde,” Aikin said. “For us, it has done everything and more than we could ask a car to do.”

For Aikin, it helped change his family life. In 2016, Cars 4 Heroes donated their car to the Army veteran.

“An overwhelming feeling of generosity and caring,” said Aikin.

He had lost his job, had to return to live with his family, had no transportation, and his wife was ill. This car allowed him to work and to help his family through a difficult time. From there, Aikin was able to rent an apartment, then a house, get a newer car, and finally they bought their own house this year.

“It was something I never thought would happen. With the way things are, the way our life is and the unique challenges we have, ”Aikin said.

When Aikin no longer needed the car, he gifted it to his nephews until they could have their own car. They had it for about a year, but were able to return it to him. Two days later, Aikin’s engine died on his car and he found himself needing the old Concorde again.

“Wait a minute, I’m not without a vehicle, I just need to pick up the Cars4Heroes car,” Aikin said.

Now he’s back and grateful.

“You always hear that if you pay it up front and it will come back to you.” Karma returns. If we had chosen to make a quick buck and sell the car, that wouldn’t be a possibility, ”Aikin said.

Because Santa gave him the Concorde all these years ago. He says Aikin took the initiative to use his donation wisely.

“He gives us a lot of credit. He went to work. He is the one who improved the housing and the cars. All I did was introduce myself and give him a tool to work with, ”Car Santa said.

Car Santa said he distributes around 300 cars each year. What Aikin did with his donation, which is why they are doing it.

“That’s the whole story. I tell people all the time it’s not a prize, it’s not a giveaway, you didn’t win the lottery here. You just got a car that rolls, ”Car Santa said.

For Aikin, that’s all he needs.

“Always try to pay it forward, be thankful for the blessings you get and the people who are put into your life. Appreciate it all because you don’t know how quickly things can change and you will still need it,” Aikin said.

Cars 4 Heroes supplies cars to former military personnel or military family members. If you need a car for yourself and you meet the criteria, you can apply here. Cars 4 Heroes is always in need of donated cars or cash to help those in need get back on the road. If you are able to help, you can donate a car or donate money here.