It all started on an overcast, dark gloomy day last Fall when 14 youth were stranded on the side of busy Hwy 119 in Firestone. The Heritage Middle School soccer team just finished competing against Coal Ridge and began heading home to Longmont when they were suddenly forced to pull over and admit defeat, not to Coal Ridge, but to the van they were being transported in.

While standing on the side of the road waiting for alternate transportation a parent pulled over to make sure the group was ok and submitted a grand idea. "Why don't you ask Longmont Ford for a van. I work there and I know they are always looking for ways to help the community". At that point in time the idea sounded next to impossible, but Jolie NeSmith, City of Longmont Recreation Services staff person, who was driving the 14 youth decided it may be worth looking into.

That Fall the City of Longmont Recreation Services was coordinating an after school program at Longs Peak Middle School, a St. Vrain Middle School soccer league and a Middle school lacrosse program. All of these programs involved transporting area Longmont youth on various field trips, to soccer games and of course soccer games without any definitive source of transportation. At the time Recreation Services only had a 5 passenger mini-van to transport youth with.

After about a week from being stranded on the side of Hwy 119, Jolie NeSmith began compiling information to send to Longmont Ford. Off went the proposal and nothing seemed to come from it. About four months later Jolie decided to try calling and checking in with Longmont Ford. This is when the impossible actually seemed to take on some probability. Brent Robbins, from Longmont Ford, got on the phone and seemed a little bit hesitant, but the idea was not shattered. He also stated he never saw the original proposal and would like a copy. A few days later, after seeing the proposal, Brent phoned Jolie and announced, "You have a van".

The impossible had occurred and now these programs that so desperately needed help with transporting youth was given a 12-passenger van donated by Longmont Ford. Thank you Longmont Ford.

Keep your eyes open around town, you are sure to notice it!