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Most auto technicians put in long hours at the shop, but some still find the energy and time to give something back to their community. Such volunteer work can benefit you too, both personally and professionally.
How to Help
- Fix Vehicles for Charity: One area in which auto technicians can make a valuable contribution, but often do not, is voluntary auto repair for charitable causes. The potential and need for this type of donation far exceeds current activity.
- Inspect Donated Cars: While many charities solicit donations of older cars for their monetary value, then sell them and use the money to support their work, some seek used vehicles for their transportation value. For example, the Good News Garage, a Lutheran charity in Hartford, accepts older cars, refurbishes them as needed into safe, dependable transportation, then donates them to welfare recipients.
"We do it to break the transportation barrier for people who have no access to public transportation," says Christina Paolillo, program manager for the Good News Garage. "We give these cars to people who want to work but can't, [because they lack transportation]. So far, 80 percent of the recipients have gotten off welfare."
Currently, the Good News Garage pays to have donated cars checked and repaired as needed, but Paolillo welcomes volunteer help to allow the agency to save both time and money. "I didn't think there would be techs willing to do that, but it would be wonderful if they would," she says.
- Give Charitable Discounts: Helping the community can take many forms. At Scata's Auto and Truck Repairs in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, families of reservists who have been called for duty in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks qualify for auto service at a deep discount.
"The military families that have come in have been extremely pleased," says owner Joan Scata. Reservists called to duty often see a significant pay cut, which can make it difficult for the families they leave behind. Reducing the cost of vehicle service and repairs can help.
"We went through the military," Scata says. "They made up cards for [eligible] family members. To get the discount, they simply show their card."
Benefits of Community Service
"It would be great if technicians volunteered their skills to charity," says John Nielsen, director of AAA's national Auto Repair Network. "Any contributions [of time and skill] from auto technicians would go a long way toward improving the image of the auto repair industry."
Volunteer work also gives techs a chance to widen their skills and knowledge by working on vehicles they might not see in their day-to-day work. Many charities require fleets to do their work, made up of vehicles ranging from compact cars to large trucks and, in some cases, even earth-moving equipment.
Volunteering can also be fun, allowing a technician to meet new people with similar interests and education. Most people also find giving their time rewarding, and it never hurts to include your association with a volunteer organization or two on your resume. On your Monster resume, you can include your volunteer efforts in the Work Experience section.
Getting Started
To get involved, pick a charity with a mission you admire, and then call them. From the American Cancer Society to Habitat for Humanity, many charities use cars and trucks, which need service and repairs.
"We would definitely work it out [so a technician could volunteer]," says Paolillo. "It would be a huge help."
