New van provides valuable resources to Friesen Center

HUNTINGTON, Ind. Huntington University's Friesen Center for Volunteer Service has utilized the recently added van for projects all over the county.

The prayer for a new mode of transportation was answered in December 2012.

The Friesen Center fundraised $3,100 before receiving a generous donation for the difference of $3,500 from Tom Ahl Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep in Lima, Ohio owned by Tom Ahl, father of 2007 alum Mindi Ahl, who also works for the dealership. With that gift, the volunteer center added a 2006 Chrysler Town & Country minivan to the resources available to students.

Students have the ability to use this new van for different volunteering projects. The van has been used to travel as far as Nashville, Tenn., as well as numerous community activities in Huntington.

A few of the organizations include International House, Adopt-A-Grandparent, Volunteer 911 and Huntington Kids Campus.

"It allows us to transport supplies and tools for work days, help with food and clothing drives, and provide for other various needs. Without this van, hours of volunteer service every week would not be happening," said Grace McBrayer, director of volunteer service and outreach ministry.