A beaming smile was followed by tears, as Vicky Stancik set sights on her new set of wheels.

“I’m having such a hard time talking — I’m just so happy,” Stancik, 56, said. “It’s just amazing that people are just so nice in this town.”

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On a rainy Friday morning last week at Franco’s Auto Services, a 2008 Pontiac was generously gifted by an anonymous donor to Stancik after her vehicle was stolen earlier this month.

Stancik’s four-door Saturn was taken after she dropped her son Jamie off at the South Kamloops group home, where he lives. She wanted to be sure he settled into his room before she left. Jamie, who was born with one leg and has ongoing health issues, became agitated while Stancik was inside and the Kamloops mother ended up spending the night, at the request of staff.

From left, Vicky Stancik, her son Jamie and Franco Annicchiarico. - Michael Potestio/KTW

Little did she know, she had forgotten her keys in the ignition of her car and the next morning, the car — along with Jamie’s wheelchair, which was in the trunk — was gone. The situation caused significant stress for Stancik because money has been tight as of late. Stancik has been out of work for the last few months, living off of savings and income assistance.

She even considered selling her gold-trimmed china to purchase a new car. That’s when her luck changed. An unknown donor heard Stancik’s story in a recent edition of Kamloops This Week and contacted the paper to lend a hand. Franco Annicchiarico, president of Franco’s Auto Services, got involved and helped picked out a car for Stancik. Annicchiarico ensured the vehicle was in good working order, donated a set of winter tires, which will be installed for free, and paid the first six months of insurance on the vehicle.

Annicchiarico and Stancik embraced with a big hug at his shop last Friday. Plans are also in the works to replace Jamie’s missing wheelchair.

“Any problem, just come and see us and we’ll look after it for free,” Annicchiarico told Stancik.

A longtime Kamloops businessman, Annicchiarico said he enjoys giving back to the community that’s been so good to him over the years.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Stancik said, looking through the car’s windows. “It looks like it’s brand new.”

To the anonymous benefactor who bought the car, Stancik said: “My son and I are are ever so grateful. We would like to say thank you from the bottom of our heart. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.”