Christmas came early for wheelchair-bound Powell resident Ellen Lieberman.

Come Wednesday afternoon, Lieberman was riding down the highway in her wheelchair-accessible van, thanks to the community in and around Powell who supported her.

Lieberman, 56, won a free van from Hardin Motors in Hardin, Montana — a much needed vehicle for overcoming the obstacles that come with having cerebral palsy.

Until recently, Lieberman relied on a power chair to move about, but that only got her so far.

Earlier in December, the Powell Tribune printed an article asking members of the community to cast their votes via email for Lieberman.

According to Hardin Motors, Lieberman received many, many votes, said Kay Anderson, Lieberman’s friend and former Wyoming Services for Independent Living employee, on Wednesday. “Isn’t that a great Christmas,” Anderson said.

Lieberman received more votes than anyone else, said Jessica Mussetter, Hardin Motor’s Internet manager, who just happend to go to school at Northwest College, giving her a personal connection to the Powell community.

The letters were detailed and stood out over all the others, explaining Lieberman’s need. “We (Hardin Motors) felt it was an opportunity to really impact her,” Mussetter said.

Mussetter initially notified Anderson. “She was just stoked about it,” Mussetter said.

“She’s (Lieberman) really excited too,” Anderson said.

It is a 2005 Dodge Caravan in tip-top shape with a wheelchair ramp. The ramp was measured to ensure Lieberman can easily access her new ride. “Ellen can drive her chair right into the van,” Mussetter said. “I think it will work perfectly for her.”

“A Christmas wish delivered in spades,”

Anderson said.

“It’s ready for her,” Mussetter said.

“We’re pretty excited,” Anderson said.