Local mechanics brighten Fresno woman's day

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Many people probably take the car in their driveway for granted. But a tragic story has led to a gracious gift from a group of Valley mechanics.

The hugs from Toni Diaz were heartfelt outside the Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis. Diaz was extremely thankful for a 1998 Dodge Caravan she received from the Wheels of Hope program.

Diaz said, "I thank them a lot and I appreciate everything. This is a big blessing for me and my family."

Toni could use a little Christmas cheer. She got into a car crash the day before Thanksgiving. Diaz also recently had a miscarriage.

"I just got done with his viewing this Saturday so it's hard," said Diaz. "I'm trying to get through it."

Toni's grandmother just wanted to see her smile again.

Lucia Rutherford said, "It's heart-wrenching. For me I wish I could have her pain. Take her pain away."

Lucia nominated Diaz for the program. "She just lost her car. She lost her baby and was going to school at city college and had no transportation."

The 14-member Fresno Select Group picked Diaz out of 125 applicants.

Rusty Rasmussen of Rasmussen Auto Repair said, "I just want to encourage everybody that can, identify some of the needs and reach out. Give them a hand up. It's not a handout. Just share with what you got."

Toni helps care for her five sisters. They were all dressed up because grandma told them they were going to take a Christmas picture.

Diaz explained, "Yeah, I thought maybe a studio or something but okay."

It still turned out to be a picture-perfect day.