An Ecosystem of Generosity

Generous Jalopy is an ecosystem of generous individuals, businesses, and nonprofits joyfully uniting resources to meet local transportation needs in creative ways.

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Individuals

Individuals can strengthen others in difficult circumstances by donating vehicles or funds.

Giving Options

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Businesses

Businesses can steward their resources in meaningful ways by contributing to our shared mission.

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Nonprofits

Nonprofits and churches can advocate and unite resources to extend God’s love and grace.

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Our Story

People need consistent transportation to sustain housing, employment, healthcare, education, and enrichment. With limited transportation options in our county and long travel times for short distances, people face added complexities when recovering from adversities. In response, Generous Jalopy takes practical action at critical moments, one person at a time.

“In late 2021, we started dreaming about bridging transportation gaps in our city. We had a vision, a catchy name, and a strong pull to stand in the gaps for nonprofits and their participants.

So, we were discouraged when our efforts gained little traction. We wondered if we really had clarity, so we let go. We stopped trying to make it happen and asked God to make it clear if and when to proceed.

In early 2023, we passingly mentioned Generous Jalopy to a few, and it started to spark interest and action. Resources to meet specific criteria fell into place with ease. (Read more here).

We experienced renewed hope, purpose, and joy seeing God usher this organization into existence. Today, we wholeheartedly believe Generous Jalopy exists to collectively express God’s love and grace in tangible ways while encouraging hope for the future.” ~Heath + Rachel Mickelson

Our Team

General Jasper (GJ), Mascot

Loving named by friends and family, Jasper is a 1976 AM General DJ5 procured from the heart of rural Wisconsin to exemplify courage, strength, and determination as the Generous Jalopy mascot.

As a prior mail truck (similar to the one Rachel’s Dad drove as a postal carrier), Jasper exemplifies practicality and novelty; and sparks conversations and donations wherever he goes.

Rachel, Co-Founder

Rachel’s compassion for people has been shaped by a lifetime of experiences, and walking alongside others in their darkest days. She has witnessed firsthand how the lack of reliable transportation creates barriers to housing, employment, and overall flourishing. Having grown up in a family where her father had a knack for procuring cars and tendency to gift vehicles to others at critical moments, the legacy of generosity runs deep in Rachel’s life. During her most challenging seasons, especially as a single mom facing adversities, her parents—a pastor and a teacher—modeled sacrificial giving by supporting her transportation needs at critical moments. These acts of love and provision were more than just practical help; they were life-changing examples generosity. This legacy has shaped Rachel’s heart and inspiration for Generous Jalopy.

Heath, Co-Founder

Heath has always been drawn to working with his hands, a skill he developed growing up on a farm. Working on cars is a passion that has been passed down through generations. Restoring classic cars isn’t just a hobby for Heath; it’s a way to create something meaningful and lasting. As he spent years bringing old vehicles back to life, he began asking a bigger question: How can I share this passion to expess God’s love in practical ways? That question led him to the heart of Generous Jalopy. By using his God-given talents, Heath has found a way to blend his love for cars with his desire to help others. Every car restored for everyday use is more than just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of hope, a reminder of God’s provision, and a step toward a better future. At the core of Heath’s work is the belief that practical support can reflect God’s love and grace.