When Nora Miller's car broke down three days ago, she wondered how she would deliver her granddaughter to crucial doctor appointments.

Miller's dilemma was solved Friday when the director of Westside Compassionate Ministries Inc. surprised her with a 1993 Ford Tempo during a meeting of members of the Good News and Bible Study Club at Washington Elementary.

The children chanted "Grandma Nora" as Miller was escorted into the Washington gymnasium, where a key enclosed in a gift box awaited her.

The white car, tied with a purple bow, was parked just outside on the school's front lawn.

"You are so wonderful," said teary-eyed Miller to a crowd of about 100 children, including her granddaughter, first-grader Nickole Daniels.

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Miller, 66, is caretaker for three of her grandchildren. The eldest, South Medford High freshman Haley Daniels, who had multiple brain tumors removed two years ago, depends on medications for her survival. She has regular doctor appointments to which Miller drives her. Nickole and Jason Daniels, a seventh-grader at McLoughlin Middle School, also live with Miller.

Miller's 1988 Oldsmobile had failed repeatedly over the last few years, often leaving her stranded in intersections or dependent on a ride from her daughter or a kind neighbor.

Dependent on financial assistance and food stamps, Miller didn't have the money to replace the dying vehicle.

An anonymous couple donated the Ford to Westside Compassionate Ministries after hearing about Miller's predicament from the nonprofit's director, Rob Larson.

Larson had met Miller through a mutual friend. The nonprofit, located next door to Washington, had provided Miller with limited financial assistance for fuel and medical deductibles.

The organization provides food, after-school activities and other assistance to residents of the Washington attendance zone.

As a way to give back, Miller has been baking treats twice a week for the children who participate in Good News, which Larson helps organize at Washington, along with Nina Gain.

The club pulls students out of class for 45 minutes each week for Bible study, provided they have parental permission. About 130 out of the some 420 pupils at the school are members of the club.

Not all of the students could be included in the event because it was religion-based and required permission from parents.

Larson said he wanted to give Miller the car at the school to give club members a lesson in blessings and the value of faith.

"We honor you, Grandma, for your life, and the way you have treated others," Larson said.

Miller's daughter, Debbie Hodges, who witnessed the giveaway, said her mother has always sacrificed to give the best to her family.

"She is always trying to do the best she can for these kids, and this car is very important," said Hodges, who is an aunt to Haley, Jason and Nickole.

"This car is a life-saver because there are so many doctor appointments."

Miller worked as a special education teacher before her retirement more than 10 years ago.

"Knowing how happy she is is the best part," Hodges said. "This is the biggest, most special thing that has ever happened to her in her entire life and I'm truly thankful because my Mama truly deserves it. She has given everything to everybody."

Reach reporter Paris Achen at 541-776-4459 or pachen@mailtribune.com.