Officials from Greylock, Johnson and the United Way tried to convince Michael Mroz to keep the decals on his new car. But, they'll allow him to take them off if he wants.

LEE, Mass. — Michael Mroz Jr. can now give his son the car he needs — his old one, of course.

 

Mroz just won a 2014 Ford Fiesta through the Berkshire United Way's annual fundraising drive. Mroz donated to the organization and his name was drawn as the winner of the annual car giveaway. 

 

"It's a promotion connection to our annual campaign," said Berkshire United Way President Kristine Hazzard on Friday when the organization and sponsors delivered the car right to Mroz's work at Onyx Specialty Papers.

 

For 15 years, Greylock Federal Credit Union and Johnson Dealerships have teamed up to split the cost of a new car to give away. The car is brought all over the county throughout the summer, encouraging people to donate to the organization.

 

"The United way and Gary Johnson are great community partners," said Greylock President Marilyn Sperling. "It is part of who we are and we, at Greylock, take the United Way seriously."

 

Mroz now has the option of keeping the car, trading up for something that fits his personality better, or $10,000 cash. Mroz says he'll probably trade up for something else for his commute from Williamstown to Lee every day. And his son, who needs a car, can have his old one.

 

"I'd just like to thank Johnson Ford, Greylock Federal Credit Union and the Berkshire United Way," Mroz said.

 

More than 200 companies participate in workplace campaigns through which employees can contribute to the United Way through payroll deductions. Employees donating $150 or more are entered in the giveaway. Onyx participates so if Mroz "wasn't working here, it wouldn't have happened," he said.

 

Some 15 years ago, the leaders of the Berkshire United Way had heard a car giveaway helped another branch raise money. They asked Johnson, who said he'd do it if they organized it properly. And the tradition was started.

 

"If this is used right, it is a good incentive to take to the employees," Johnson said.

 

The 90-year-old organization has raised $1.7 million so far this fund drive to support some 46 programs in Central and Southern Berkshire ranging from childhood literacy to youth associations to the Elizabeth Freeman Center. The campaign runs through June and Hazzard said she is confident it will hit the $2.7 million target.