State-Journal.com - Automobile equipment, supplies donated to career, technical center

Once Eddie Pope learned of the transformation of his full-service station to a Food Mart, he considered options for clearing out the automobile repair equipment and supplies.
Pope says he thought about selling the items lifts, tire changers, oil and air filters and the like but found it would be easier to donate them. He chose the automotive class at the Franklin County Career and Technical Center.
He estimated he donated more than $50,000 worth of equipment and supplies. "Maybe well get some new technicians going," Pope said.
Francis Wheatley, the centers automotive tech teacher, said Popes donation of new and used items was the most generous hes seen in his 13 years there.
He estimated the value of the items around $55,000 and said it would save the vocational school thousands of dollars by not having to purchase the items itself.
Wheatley said students have already put the automotive repair equipment and supplies to use. He said the biggest benefit to students is the hands-on training. "We have a complete supplied business in the automotive field," Wheatley said of the donation. "Its (the equipment) all state of the art."
Wheatley said the challenge now is having space for the equipment and supplies, which serve the automotive departments more than 80 students.
He said he is appreciative to Pope and the new owners of the East Frankfort Chevron, Muhammad Shahbaz and Nawaz Khan, for allowing Pope to make the donation.
"We need all the help we can get because it is for the students," Wheatley said.
Center director Karen Schneider said Popes donation was the largest to the vocational school, which opened in 9. "It was phenomenal; it was a dream come true for us," she said. "Its by far the best act of donation that the center has ever had."
Individuals and businesses typically donate old automobiles to the class, Schneider said. This year the welding program also received numerous donations from local businesses.
"With the budgetary situation a career and technical center such as ours, the equipment we need to have to train our students as far as real world we dont have," she said. "We accept all donations."