Demere NeSmith, dealer principal of NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC in Claxton, announced this week that the dealership donated three vehicles to local people in need as part of the "Driven To Give" campaign. The local community nominated people in need and the recipients were chosen by a committee. Recipients from Tattnall and Evans counties received their vehicles Dec. 22 during a presentation at NeSmith Chevrolet in Claxton.

The "Driven to Give" campaign was created by Martin NeSmith, president and founder, as a way to help local families in need. The idea is to provide reliable transportation to three people who truly needed it.

NeSmith appointed a committee of four employees from the dealership to review applications and narrow down the nominees based on need. From there, the committee met each nominee during in-home visits. The three finalists were invited to the dealership on Dec. 22. They were not yet aware that they had been selected. The vehicles were hidden behind trailers and as the trailers drove away, the finalists saw their vehicles with their names on them.

Tyson and Melody Leach from Evans County received a silver 2002 Chevrolet Impala. Ebony Bussie from Evans County received a white 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, and Michelle Crumbly from Tattnall County received a brown 2006 Chevrolet Impala.

"We wanted to do something extra special for members of our local community this holiday season. We wanted to give the gift of reliable transportation to people who are in need! These three recipients definitely deserve these vehicles and we are so happy to help. You should have seen the looks on their faces when they realized they were receiving a vehicle. It was priceless," NeSmith said.

"We want to thank NeSmith Chevrolet. We really appreciate it so much," Crumbly said.