LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Throughout the holiday season, many people take the time to think about what they’re grateful for, help others, and spread holiday cheer.
For one Lincoln business, spreading that holiday cheer means helping those who need it, one car and one nomination at a time.
Monday was a surprise of a lifetime for Jessica Hernandez. Jessica, who is known for helping anyone she can, was gifted a free car as part of The Auto Connection’s third annual Christmas car giveaway.
“This is life changing for me,” Jessica said.
It all started with a nomination. Jessica was nominated for the car giveaway by her friend, Frederick Kos, who said she’s been a bright light in what otherwise has been a dark year.
“She’s just always been a giving person,” Kos said. “But she’s just been indispensable help to me over, while I’m going through this dark period and unable to take care of myself.”
At the beginning of the year, Kos had to have part of his ear removed due to melanoma. He broke his hip in March and in June found out he has terminal lung cancer. Jessica had been his caretaker through it all, even after an accident that totaled her car over the summer.
“Has been without a car for six months, and she’d still ride her bike over in the warm weather to help me out,” Kos said. “She needs it badly. To have the ability to get around at least and bond with her son, and go to games. To have something for herself because she’s helping everyone else all the time.”
Out of 97 nominations, it was that selflessness that stuck out.
“All she cares about is helping other people,” said Jessica’s son, Rafael Hernandez. “And I think that that’s what makes her so deserving is because she never cared about anything more than just making sure other people have what they need.”
But it’s much more than a free car. Jessica said it’ll allow her to continue what she does best.
“I try to do everything I can,” Jessica said. “It only takes two seconds to cheer up somebody or brighten their day. So many people don’t take advantage of that. I got that tenfold in return.”
In addition to the car, Auto Connection said she’ll receive a year of free maintenance as well as a one year AAA membership.
“The biggest thing is that she continues doing what she’s doing to help the community,” said Peter Shoup, general manager at The Auto Connection. “She’s obviously done a very good job raising her son. Going through the hardships she’s already been going through and keeping a positive attitude.”
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