ARLINGTON — A costly repair to a private school vehicle was avoided thanks to a generous gesture by two local companies.

Brien Motors and Ron May Towing, both of Everett, have stepped in to tow and fix a Highland Christian School van that left a local pastor and a group of students stranded in eastern Washington in July.

Board member Jeffrey Biermanski said the 1997 Chevrolet van was traveling near Ellensburg when its engine lost oil pressure and stalled out.

After receiving a $6,000 quote to replace the entire engine from a General Motors dealership in the city, Biermanski opted to hold off until he could figure out a way to pay for the repair.

He spoke with Casey Salz, owner of Brien Motors, who agreed to install a new engine free of charge. Biermanski purchased the replacement engine.

Jim Zelmer, owner of Ron May Towing, said he also heard about the school’s predicament and contacted Biermanski. He offered to tow it from Arlington to Salz’s shop for free.

“It was refreshing to see a towing company and a car dealership help out without any expectation of payment,” Biermanski said. “There are very few people that would do that, especially with the auto industry being what it is right now.”