Valley resident wins $15,000 through 'Extra Mile Giveaway'
One Mahoning Valley resident went home with $15,000 on Wednesday, choosing the right set of keys that determined the winner of the annual "Extra Mile Giveaway."
The event randomly selects 10 participants from around Mahoning County and Trumbull County, each with one thing in common: Each donor has given at least $260 throughout the year to either the United Way of Trumbull County or the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
Participants selected are then lined up and select a random key, only one of which starts up the prize - the 2025 Chevrolet Trax or $15,000. Greenwood Chevrolet hosts the event in coordination with both United Ways annually.
Wednesday's winner, Andre'a Lawrence, pictured above on the right, says that she's received an extra special early birthday present.
"[It] probably won't really hit me until tomorrow, like, so many things happening right now, but right now it feels great," said Lawrence.
Lawrence says that she has been donating to the United Way for three years through her job at Trumbull County Children Services. She says that this is a way to help the community, even when she can't volunteer her time.
"Just to give back. I do have a full-time job that's very busy [and] very crazy, so I don't get to volunteer and do as much in the community as I'd like to, but this is a way that my money's doing it even if I can't physically be there to do it," said Lawrence.
Lawrence continued," It's not even a lot you have to donate. Just those few dollars do help - every little bit counts."
She says that she already has a plan for her winnings.
"I will be starting my master's in social work in May, and so I will use that money to go towards my tuition for school," said Lawrence.
