This Lexus Giveaway Supports a Truly Great Cause

Worthy Cause

While we all got into our fair share of trouble as kids, the prevalence of technology today only makes it easier for modern-day youth to find nefarious activities. At the same time, it's important that we get more young folks interested in this beloved hobby of ours, and that's precisely where an organization called DRAGG comes into play. It also happened to give away a 2003 Lexus ES300 recently, and it went to a very worthy person, according to the VC Star.

Photos: Joe Lumaya for the VC Star

Learning the Ropes

Jesus Rios is the lucky person that took home the Lexus ES, but it isn't just any old used Lexus. In fact, a total of 28 students from DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti)  -  an after-school youth automotive program started by two Oxnard Police Department officers - spent four months fixing it up prior to the giveaway.

Photos: Joe Lumaya for the VC Star

Life Skills

After the old Lexus was donated to DRAGG, the students got to work learning important skills like changing the oil, fixing the bodywork and painting the car, installing new brakes and a fresh battery, checking the electrical system, and cleaning up the interior.

Photos: Joe Lumaya for the VC Star

Education and Skills

Students that participate in the DRAGG program can earn credits towards graduation in the Oxnard Union High School District, which has been the difference between graduating and not graduating for multiple students. The classes also give students the skills they need to become mechanics, if they so choose.

Photos: DRAGG

Worthy Candidates

DRAGG always gives away the cars they work on after that work is completed, but this isn't just some sort of raffle or contest. Rather, the organization works with a community organization called Nyeland Promise to identify worthy candidates who are in need of new transportation.

Photos: DRAGG

Choosing a Winner

In this latest giveaway, a total of 50 families were nominated. DRAGG students get to review the applications and choose the lucky winner, which in this case was Rio. Rio has an autistic child and needed a family car capable of transporting everyone to and from doctor's appointments and school meetings, but previously only had his work truck to get around in.

Photos: DRAGG

Icing on the Cake

There's nothing not to like about the work DRAGG is doing - teaching kids important life skills, helping foster our beloved hobby, giving students a chance to redeem themselves and graduate, and donating cars to needy citizens. The fact that their latest project was a Lexus, well, that's just icing on the cake.

Photos: DRAGG

>>Join the conversation about the DRAGG giveaway right here at ClubLexus.com.

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