On the afternoon of December 20, a Cars.com team made a special delivery to I Grow Chicago, an organization dedicated to igniting collective hope: a new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica filled with winter gear and toiletries. The moment created a connection that I know will endure for everyone who was there.
I Grow Chicago provides social services, mentoring, and transportation services for its neighbors in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago’s south side. Founded in 2013, I Grow Chicago supports Englewood community programs centered on urban farming, restorative justice, yoga and mindful movement, creative expression, and community building. The community center also provides a food pantry, community kitchen, and laundry services.
To be effective, I Grow Chicago needs reliable transportation, which is where Cars.com took action through our Drive It Forward campaign. The Pacifica will allow the community center to safely transport neighbors to doctor appointments, area schools, and more.
As I Grow Chicago founder Robbin Carroll told us, “Poverty and isolation, we have found, really comes with actually not ever being able to get out. The community is completely isolated, and transportation is a huge piece of that. The van for us will make an enormous difference in being able to end isolation.”
The afternoon was about connecting with people. By personally delivering the Pacifica, our team got to know the hard-working people who are making a difference every day in Chicago. Everyone from Cars.com who visited I Grow Chicago knew about the organization, but meeting the faces behind the name helped us understand the impact of I Grow Chicago and the passion of its people. In addition, we shared on social media the excitement we felt being at I Grow Chicago, which strengthened our sense of connection.
At Cars.com, we are inspired by the many ways dealerships give back to your communities. We wish you a happy and safe holiday. May the season of giving continue all year-round.
