The United Way of Portage County Board of Directors recently approved $10,000 in special allocations to continue the United Way’s “In A Fix” program in 2015.

The goal of the program is to help income-eligible, working residents of Portage County with car repairs so they can get to work. It was created earlier this year as a partnership between United Way and NAPA Stores in Stevens Point and Plover, Emergency Services of Portage County and seven area auto centers – Checks Muffler Center, Auto Select (two locations), D & D Auto Service, Auto Helpers, Team Matthews Tire, Premier Auto Body & Repair and River West Motorwerks.

“I think it’s a great program,” said John Baehr, NAPA Distribution Center general manager and United Way Board member. “We have independent ownerships that live and work in the communities that want to give back to their communities. It’s great that we can help so many households.”

Using $10,000 in initial funds from the United Way Endowment and the $10,000 in United Way special allocations, “In A Fix” has processed 37 claims so far in 2015 for a total of nearly $13,000.

Through discounts on parts provided by the NAPA Distribution Center and reduced labor charges provided by the participating auto centers, the value of the repairs has been approximately $21,000. The average amount per claim is about $347.

Emergency Services determines the households that qualify for the program. Those who qualify are able to choose the participating auto centers they would like to use for repairs. Those auto centers give an estimate for the repairs that are needed, and if approved, makes the repairs.

Each client is required to pay a percentage of the repair fee, but the remaining amount is covered through the program. There is an annual $500 per household limit for repair services.

More information about how to help United Way through donating or volunteering is available online at www.unitedwaypoco.org, by calling 715-341-6740, or by emailing [email protected].

More information about how to receive help is available by calling 2-1-1, United Way’s free and anonymous information and referral service.