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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Classic Forums Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Women in Business Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Customer Service Advertise With Us Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map Email Story to a Friend April 14, 2007 Washington Elementary first-grader Nickole Daniels shares a moment with her grandmother Nora Miller, 66, during an assembly in the school gym. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) A key, a car and the grandma who deserves it Nonprofit helps turn woman's misfortune around, gives her a Tempo for free By Paris Achen Mail Tribune When Nora Miller's car broke down three days ago, she wondered how she would deliver her granddaughter to crucial doctor appointments. Miller's dilemma was solved Friday when the director of Westside Compassionate Ministries Inc. surprised her with a 1993 Ford Tempo during a meeting of members of the Good News and Bible Study Club at Washington Elementary. The children chanted "Grandma Nora" as Miller was escorted into the Washington gymnasium, where a key enclosed in a gift box awaited her. The white car, tied with a purple bow, was parked just outside on the school's front lawn. "You are so wonderful," said teary-eyed Miller to a crowd of about 100 children, including her granddaughter, first-grader Nickole Daniels. Advertisement Miller, 66, is caretaker for three of her grandchildren. The eldest, South Medford High freshman Haley Daniels, who had multiple brain tumors removed two years ago, depends on medications for her survival. She has regular doctor appointments to which Miller drives her. Nickole and Jason Daniels, a seventh-grader at McLoughlin Middle School, also live with Miller. Miller's 1988 Oldsmobile had failed repeatedly over the last few years, often leaving her stranded in intersections or dependent on a ride from her daughter or a kind neighbor. Dependent on financial assistance and food stamps, Miller didn't have the money to replace the dying vehicle. An anonymous couple donated the Ford to Westside Compassionate Ministries after hearing about Miller's predicament from the nonprofit's director, Rob Larson. Larson had met Miller through a mutual friend. The nonprofit, located next door to Washington, had provided Miller with limited financial assistance for fuel and medical deductibles. The organization provides food, after-school activities and other assistance to residents of the Washington attendance zone. As a way to give back, Miller has been baking treats twice a week for the children who participate in Good News, which Larson helps organize at Washington, along with Nina Gain. The club pulls students out of class for 45 minutes each week for Bible study, provided they have parental permission. About 130 out of the some 420 pupils at the school are members of the club. Not all of the students could be included in the event because it was religion-based and required permission from parents. Larson said he wanted to give Miller the car at the school to give club members a lesson in blessings and the value of faith. "We honor you, Grandma, for your life, and the way you have treated others," Larson said. Miller's daughter, Debbie Hodges, who witnessed the giveaway, said her mother has always sacrificed to give the best to her family. "She is always trying to do the best she can for these kids, and this car is very important," said Hodges, who is an aunt to Haley, Jason and Nickole. "This car is a life-saver because there are so many doctor appointments." Miller worked as a special education teacher before her retirement more than 10 years ago. "Knowing how happy she is is the best part," Hodges said. "This is the biggest, most special thing that has ever happened to her in her entire life and I'm truly thankful because my Mama truly deserves it. She has given everything to everybody." Reach reporter Paris Achen at 541-776-4459 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Online Casino Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary