You may have heard my story last week about the Burbank couple that got their 1966 VW Bug back after it was stolen 20 years ago....

You may have also heard the part of the story where the couple would have to $801.15 to get the car back - apparently, the 'current' owner realized the VIN number on the car didn't match the one on the title....and, eventually, the CHP was able to figure out it had been reported stolen. Well, a judge ruled that the Burbank couple would have to pay the 'current owner' for parts he installed.

Well, during the course of the interview, I found out that the couple's AAA membership was the basic level and would only cover 7 miles. The car was at a CHP substation in Woodland Hills (about 18 miles). They found out the tow charge would be $90.00.

Here's the problem, Darlene and John Peterson are not only on a fixed income, they're also on social security disability. They had to borrow the $800 from various sources, including their son in Hawaii.

I offered my AAA membership for the tow, but had to work at the time the car was supposed to be towed. During an interview on the Bill Carroll Show, I explained the dilemma. Bill immediately put out the call for help....and, boy, did people respond.

Listener Todd Holmberg offered to use his AAA tow and be there in person to make sure it was handled. He and I spoke and firmed up the details. Come to find out, Holmberg's a patrol officer with the LAPD. I felt compelled to share a portion of his email:

"I really wanted to help. I had the means available and I enjoy giving something back.  I know it sounds trite but it's true. Very often as a police officer most contacts are negative, either by the cop himself, or by the circumstances involved. Today was not one of those days. Although I did not act in an official capacity I had the opportunity to reach out as a person in a positive way and thats what I did".

The car was towed to a mechanic in Burbank. The Peterson's found out they would have to pay about $400.00 to fix the clutch, and more to repair the interior. Oh, and they had to shell out $110.00 to add the car to their insurance policy.

All in all, the Peterson's say they went through as much agony to get their stolen car back as they did when it was stolen.

But, what I did discover in all of this was how cool our listeners really are....

* Johnny for the Jay Leno idea

* Doug from Burbank who offered the Peterson's a ride

* Zach for offering cash

* Derek from the Anaheim PD for offering to upgrade their AAA membership

* Dr. Bob, a mechanic in Burbank, for offering free repairs

* Derek for offering to pay for their AAA membership upgrade

This is just a selection of emails I got from the Bill Carroll Show. Many more emailed, but I was up against the clock and had to pick the first few and get busy.

Our listeners are the coolest - Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond and offer help.

-SG