Being a foster parent to one child is one of the tougher jobs around.

Being a foster parent to half-a-dozen children?

That's about as tough as it gets.

"You have to be patient and flexible," said Debbie Clark, who along with husband Ben Clark has been a foster parent for 10 years.

You also sometimes need help with life's necessities.

Transportation, for example.

That's where Ed Gapsch comes in.

Gapsch owns Gapsch Carstar Collision Center in Green Park.

A few years ago, Gapsch discovered the "Recycled Rides" program, which matches families in need with refurbished vehicles.

The program pairs up auto body centers with charities, who then find families in need of transportation.

After asking around, Gapsch heard about Angels' Arms, a St. Louis non-profit that assists foster families with housing and other support.

"They were doing some really cool things for people," Gapsch said. "And these mothers and fathers, husbands and wives were giving up so much of their lives to help kids."

Gapsch wanted to help too.

That's where Bess Wilfong came in.

Wilfong started Angels' Arms about ten years ago.

"My husband and I were foster parents and we saw how much commitment it took, how challenging it was and how much support we needed," she said.

Their idea was simple: purchase a home for a foster family to live in rent free, provided they met certain requirements.

"The family takes up to six children," Wilfong said.

That kind of arrangement helps keep siblings together.

The idea took off. After starting with a single South County home, Angels' Arms now has five across the St. Louis area.

Three years ago, Gapsch provided the first Angels' Arms family with a refurbished vehicle.

Gapsch partners with Allstate Insurance.

"They get a vehicle deemed economically a total loss," Gapsch said. "Instead of selling it for parts they bring it to us. It's still a safe vehicle; it just costs more to fix than it's worth."

The collision repair crew at Gapsch donates their own time to repair the vehicle.

Vendors donate items such as paint and car parts.

Office staff kicks in too, paying $5 on "casual Wednesday" to raise money for the family.

"This year we've raised close to $800," Gapsch said.

On Nov. 22, the Clark family will be given a rebuilt 2001 Chrysler Voyager minivan at Gapsch's business.

It will be loaded with gifts — a nice gesture for a family who gives so much.

The Clarks, who often had to travel in separate vehicles, are thrilled.

"We're ecstatic," Debbie Clark said. "This is wonderful."