Help the Murphys Get a Reliable Minivan

We are the Murphys, a family of six living in Omaha, NE. Robert (me), Jana, and our four sons that are in high school and middle school.

When the 2024-25 school year started, we were driving a 2002 minivan and a 2007 minivan. Both needed repairs to keep them running smoothly. Every time we did a repair on the 2002 minivan, we wondered if it was worth it to keep sinking money into it. However, we weren’t in a place financially where we could afford a newer car or car payment. So, we kept putting money into the 2002 minivan.

This fall, we noticed the 2002 minivan running sluggishly and making all sorts of sounds that are not comforting. Jana and I were both worried every time our oldest son drove it to school or work, even more so when others were in the minivan with him. A month ago, it got a flat tire. If we kept it through the winter, it would need new tires, plus additional repairs as well. We decided to get rid of it.

We are back down to one vehicle and we are asking for help to get a second vehicle. Our hope is to get a newer minivan that is reliable for years to come.

Jana and I have both been through job transitions the past few months, and it's complicated our efforts to get a second vehicle. We have set up this GoFundMe page where we’d like to raise a minimum of $10,000 to put toward a down payment on a minivan. Anything we raise above that would be put toward the minivan payment or current minivan expenses. (We just spent nearly $2,000 replacing the battery, alternator, and more on our 2007 minivan. It’s winter ready.)

To read more of what's been going on with our family during this season, click here.