Titus O'Neil, Hyundai of New Port Richey and Metropolitan Ministries made the gift possible

by: Jennifer Peate

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Its agift that will keep on giving.A New Port Richey family receivedalife-changing surpriseonThursday morning.

Gabriel McClain,Larissa Lonesand their three children are one of five families in the Tampa Bay areachosento receive a vehicle right off the lot of a local dealership.

New opportunities are opening for our family, said Lones, through tears of joy.

The car not only gives them independence butitalsoopensnew doorsfor better jobs and a more stable lifestyle.

Both parents have full-time jobs, but like many families this year, they are struggling financially. They couldnt afford a car and dependon others to get to work,gettheir kids to school andrun necessaryerrands.

Not having that stress of depending on Ubers or relying on somebody else,said McClain.

That stress is coming to a screeching halt thanks to local groupsspreading joy this holiday season.Hyundai of New Port Richey, The Bullard Family Foundation, created by WWE superstar Titus ONeil, and Metropolitan Ministries handed over aHyundai Santa Fe to the family of fiveon Thursday morning.

Very special to me because my mother didnt have adequate transportation at all times when we were kids, said ONeil.

Through his foundation, he hopes to steer familieslike the McClains and Lonesstoward financial independence. Transportation, hesays, isone of the key factors. His partners couldnt agree more.

The lack of transportation here in our area with no mass transit, if you dont have a vehicle its tough to get around, its to get a job, its tough to keep that job, saidScott Fink,Hyundai of New Port RicheyCEO.

Adifficulty that Lones and McClain know all too well and are happy to leave in the past.

Were beyond lucky, blessed is the word,said Lones.

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Joy of Giving: Titus ONeil gifts car to Tampa Bay family, helps them gain independence - WFLA