Easterns Blog

There is no doubt that Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group have been doing everything in their power to assist those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.? They are always looking for people and organizations who are going above and beyond to help those in need.? A nonprofit that is doing an incredible job of this is called Here for A Reason.? This organization focuses on providing educational and financial assistance to individuals living with a disability or a rare condition.? Their vision is to completely eliminate the financial impact that is tied to one?s medical condition due to limited resources and guidelines associated with health insurance.? Melanie Oates is both the founder and Executive Director of Here for A Reason.? Oates developed a passion for helping families of special needs children because she has a special needs child herself.

As a single mother of twins, Oates is committed to doing everything she can to assist them.? She even had to quit her job due to her twins needing 24-hour supervision.? This decision caused a huge financial strain on the family but as a mother, Oates had to do what was in the best interest of her children.? At one point, she had almost lost her home, but she ended up getting the help that she needed.? It was at that moment that she realized other families were facing the same struggles. This inspired her to create Here for A Reason.

Oates was surprised by the Pay It Forward crew ? Maureen Umeh Fox 5 DC and Joel Bassam of Easterns during her latest GasGiving 2020 initiative.? The goal of the campaign is to raise enough money to gift gas cards to 100 families undergoing treatment at Children?s National in Washington D.C.? The price of gas is quite expensive especially when traveling back and forth from the hospital.? Bassam was able to speak with Oates virtually about his admiration for her and her nonprofit and wanted to celebrate by donating $2,000 to the organization.? This money will help reach the goal of the campaign and more.? If you would like to learn more, get involved, or apply for assistance ? please visit: www.hereforareason.org

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/XmE4HGNNFYQ