Local Woman Surprised With Free Car

DUNN, N.C. – After weeks of nominations and judging, one local resident received a life-changing surprise when she was presented with a free vehicle through an annual community giveaway.

Mattie Mitchell was selected as the 2026 recipient of Cam’s Cars, an outreach program operated by Johnson’s Transmission and Auto Service on NC 55 near the Johnston-Sampson county line.

Mitchell received the vehicle during a special presentation Sept. 18.

The business said it received an unusually large number of nominations this year, with community members sharing stories about people who were working hard, helping others and facing transportation difficulties.

After the nominations were reviewed by independent judges, Mitchell was chosen as this year’s recipient.

Cam’s Cars was created about a decade ago as a way for Johnson’s Transmission to provide reliable transportation to someone who could use a helping hand while also recognizing people who make a positive difference in their communities.

“The goal is to find someone in the community each year — an individual or family in need — who, despite their own challenges, does more for the community than they do for themselves,” Marketing Manager Don Melcher told Johnston County Report when nominations opened in August.

Johnson’s Transmission and Auto Service was founded 33 years ago by Jerry Johnson. The business has made community giving a priority over the years, with Cam’s Cars becoming one of its signature outreach programs.

This year’s presentation also included food catered by Old Store Cafe.

Johnson’s Transmission thanked the residents who submitted nominations, the judges who reviewed them and everyone who attended the presentation.

“Cam’s Cars has always been about more than giving away a car,” the business said in announcing Mitchell as the winner. “It’s about giving someone a hand up and hopefully making everyday life just a little easier.”

Organizers said they hope the vehicle provides Mitchell with reliability and independence for years to come.