News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A new non-profit coming to Van Buren County that provides financial assistance and vehicle repairs for livelihoods depending on transportation.
Auxilium Auto of Tennessee purchased the Van Buren BDS property to establish a main office. Founder Jason Hees said he started the organization to combine his two passions: cars and non-profit work.
“Last year I started a non-profit called Auxilium Auto, but I’ve had the idea for a couple of years. Then, I finally had the ability to do it by working a lot of overtime, which is pretty much how I’m funded right now,” Hees said. “Its main goal is to provide financial assistance or funding to people that depend on their vehicles.”
Hees said as a Metro Police Officer, he has seen a need for the service. Hees said he has witnessed many automobile accidents that could have been prevented if someone could afford vehicle maintenance.
“Working on cars is something I enjoy, and it’s a hobby of mine,” Hees said. “If everybody used one of their skills or one of their hobbies to give back to the community no matter how small it is like a seamstress fixing clothes or a cobbler that makes shoes and fixes work boots. It’s just something I enjoy and a little thing that I can give back.”
Hees said opening the non-profit in Nashville was too expensive, so Hees explored locations near family in the Upper Cumberland. Hees now has less than 30 days to close on the land deal. The some 15 acres sold for $220,000.
Hees said he would operate the mission by picking up vehicles with a personal trailer. Then take the vehicle to a mechanic to be professionally fixed. The Van Buren location would serve as the main office of the non-profit.
