---

DaimlerChrysler Donates Funds for Senior Citizens

4 December 1998

DaimlerChrysler Donates Funds Toward Keeping Senior Citizens Mobile and Independent

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 3 -- As adults reach the golden
years, staying active and mobile is often a concern.  That's why the nonprofit
organization Independence for Life (IFL) was founded -- to provide
transportation resources to the elderly so they will remain active, mobile and
productive within their communities.
    That's also why the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund donated $300,000
toward IFL's Senior Courtesy Van Program -- to contribute to the well-being of
senior citizens and thriving communities.  The proceeds will be used toward
purchasing new vans and wheelchair-lift equipment.  Currently, IFL operates a
fleet of 90 vans.
    Since 1986, IFL has provided over 250 vehicles to nonprofit organizations.
Most organizations keep the vehicles a maximum of five years or 100,000 miles.
    "The senior citizen community is important to DaimlerChrysler Corporation
and to the communities to which they belong," said Jim Holden, Executive Vice
President - Sales and Marketing and Minivan Operations, and a DaimlerChrysler
Management Board Member.  "They are active contributors to society
and DaimlerChrysler Corporation is glad to provide transportation
accessibility to help them maintain the lifestyle they are accustomed to and
appreciate."   Holden is a member of IFL's Board of Directors and E. Thomas
Pappert, former Chrysler Vice President - Sales and Service, is the Chairman.
    The Senior Courtesy Van Program provides vehicles to nonprofit
organizations to transport senior citizens.  Nearly 70 percent of the vehicles
are wheelchair-lift equipped.  Senior citizens who have the service in their
area use it at least once a week for transportation to grocery and drug
stores, financial institutions, medical, educational and recreational
facilities and to volunteer employment.
    To qualify for the Senior Courtesy Van Program, organizations must be a
501(c)(3) organization, in business at least three years, have stable funding,
a minimum of 50 senior citizens to service and demonstrate the ability to
operate a program.
    IFL was founded in 1986 and provides transportation to the Retired Senior
Volunteer Program, the St. Rose Senior Center (Detroit), White Lake (Mich.)
Township, the City of Detroit Housing Department and many other organizations.