College graduate gets new ride for the future

HAMPTON

Leshania Blue knew something was up.

One by one, her co-workers slipped out of the office she works in part time at Thomas Nelson Community College, where she'll graduate today. A friend concocted an excuse to get her outside.

And there it was.

"Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God."

Sitting in front of the office was a gleaming black Dodge Neon, decorated with balloons and a sign reading, "VCACA Big Give."

Translation: The Virginia Caribbean-American Cultural Association had decided to give Blue, a 29-year-old single working mother of three, her own car.

On a typical day, Blue borrows her mother's car to get her children, ages 9, 6 and 4, back and forth to school and other activities, as well as getting herself to work and school.

"It's been a challenge," Blue said.

Now, she's got her own ride.

Pat Ford works with Blue and is on the VCACA board. The organization, designed to promote Caribbean culture, funds various charitable outreach programs. As it happens, Ford was in the market for a new car, so she and the board solicited donations and free labor to fix up her old car to present it to Blue late last week.

Blue plans to attend Mary Baldwin College and become a lawyer.

"This is a blessing," she said, wiping away tears. "I'm so happy."

Jim Washington, (757) 446-2536, jim.washington@pilotonline.com