Local CAM Resident Receives New Wheels

One local CAM resident got a terrible surprise this week — followed by another that made up for it. 

Kathy Esslinger, executive supervisor at Coordinated Assistance Ministries, told us that James, one of the residents, was working on a project in someone’s garage this week when he looked up to see a group of people riding away on his bicycle. 

“He had two doors to go through in order to get out in front, so when he got out in front, they were already on the corner,” said Esslinger. 

To say he was disappointed was an understatement, she said. But a quick social media post later and Esslinger had found a donor to take James to a local store to pick out a new bicycle. As the two talked about plans to go bicycle, they heard a knock at the door. 

At CAM’s back door, stood a person holding a brand new mountain bike -- perfect for James’s needs. 

That person simply gave him the bicycle and left — no credit or recognition needed. 

James simply beamed and asked “Is this Christmas?”

Esslinger said James represents one of the many people that CAM is able to help each year. CAM is currently celebrating its 28th year, and said it takes so much more than meets the eye to help the homeless. 

“[People] don’t realize the scope of what it takes to really help someone,” Esslinger said.