Please Help Miss Clara Purchase A New Vehicle

For those of us who have the honor of knowing Miss Clara Phillips...here is what we would like to share. Miss Clara, as most people know her, is the kindest, sweetest, most giving woman. Originally from Mississippi, Miss Clara moved to Albany in 1964. A resident of the South End community, Miss Clara has served her community in so many ways, including cooking thousands upon thousands of delicious dinners to share with others...never asking for anything in return. Miss Clara is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. She has volunteered countless hours at her church, at local nonprofits, and for events like Mississippi Day, a community event of which she was an original founder.

Miss Clara served the Foster Grandparent Program as a volunteer for many years, and has cooked for the South End Children's Cafe for the past nine years (the children LOVE Miss Clara's mac and cheese). Miss Clara is one of the first people to offer you food, a ride, a listening ear, a hug, advice and friendship. She is strong. Her smile lights up a room. Miss Clara is 80 years old but will not be defined by this number, continuing to show up wherever she is needed.

It is hard to see Miss Clara hurt... but this past May she faced a hardship that is unimaginable and has left her, and the people who love her, shaken. Many heard about the 80-year-old woman who had her car stolen and then totaled at 10am in the morning after three men approached her and told her to give them the car keys and get out of the car. That woman was Miss Clara, and the incident took place right in front of her house. While police found Miss Clara's car later that day, it was totaled.

Miss Clara needs a car to get her to and from work. She transports her son to his medical appointments. She helps her neighbors and family with rides. She goes to church. She volunteers and is now working on the upcoming Mississippi Day. Taking a bus or walking proves to be a challenge, and her car is her ticket to independence, community engagement and joy.

We are trying to raise funds so Miss Clara can purchase a car to replace her car that was totaled after the theft. It would be amazing to give back to this woman who has given so much, helping her to realize that she is not alone, and that people care as much about her as she cares about other people. Any amount you can share will be used to help Miss Clara purchase a vehicle.

Thank you for your consideration and for opening your heart to the beautiful and special Miss Clara.