ATLANTA - As part of recognizing The Atlanta Children's Shelter (ACS) annual achievers, one of the eight women honored was recently presented with a surprise gift - a minivan.

The vehicle was donated by local sponsor and supporter LeasePlan USA, a vehicle leasing and fleet management solutions, with strong ties to the Atlanta community.

The donated minivan was one of LeasePlan's off-lease vehicles. In addition, all mechanical work and preventive maintenance was provided by a local Firestone Complete Auto Care^TM and a new set of tires were donated by TiresPlus^TM, both part of Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC.

"We are thrilled to provide much needed transportation to such a deserving family. These women have overcome so many obstacles to get where they are today, and should be honored for their heroic efforts," said Mike Pitcher, president and CEO of LeasePlan USA.

Executive Director for ACS, Dr. Jackye Brown, said, "Donations and gifts-in-kind to the Shelter and our clients are always appreciated. However, this gift is extra special. Many of our parents do not have access to reliable transportation as they go about their task of achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency. This minivan will make a tremendous difference in the life of one of our deserving parents. We are fortunate to have LeasePlan as a partner in our efforts to provide quality services and ongoing support to homeless families."

Each year, the Atlanta Children's Shelter hosts an Achiever's Celebration that honors the more than 5,050 families stabilized by the programs, donors and collaborators of the ACS. At this heart-warming event, formerly-homeless families recounted their journey through homelessness to permanent self-sufficiency. Eight specific women were honored as the shelter's 2009 Achievers. All eight women have overcome significant barriers and challenges, and have achieved stable self-sufficiency for their respective family.

About the Atlanta Children's Shelter

Atlanta Children's Shelter provides high-quality, NAEYC-accredited, loving childcare for the young children of homeless families and comprehensive social services designed to guide each family to self-sufficiency. Since 1986, ACS has cared for over 7,800 children and helped stabilize more than 5,100 families.

About LeasePlan USA

LeasePlan USA, a subsidiary of LeasePlan Corp. N.V., is a global vehicle leasing and fleet management solutions provider. The company, which manages 1.4 million vehicles worldwide, offers clients customized plans for total cost reduction through its technologically advanced products and dedication to customer service.