The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced it gifted refurbished vehicles through its Recycled Rides program to six Las Vegas residents who have been struggling with lack of reliable transportation at its annual Recycled Rides Luncheon at the SEMA Show.
Vehicles for this year’s car giveaway were donated by Allstate, GEICO, State Farm, USAA, Enterprise
Rent-a-Car and Hertz, and were refurbished by Caliber Collision, Fix Auto Henderson, Gaudin Ford, Gerber Collision & Glass and Rupert’s Auto Body.
Parts, materials and services were contributed by LKQ Corporation, Axalta, AkzoNobel, ColorGlo, High Sierra Glass Works, LT Mufflers and Brakes, Milne Auto Tow, Reno Buick GMC, Sierra Wheel Repair, The Pit Shop, Alpine Lock and Fast Glass.
“Lack of transportation is often a major obstacle for individuals and families trying to recover from catastrophic circumstances such as unexpected job loss and homelessness,” said Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the NABC. “We are proud for the collaborative effort of many NABC members who, through Recycled Rides, help change lives by donating vehicles that represent hope, independence and freedom.”
The recipients included:
- Patrick Kelly, a disabled Marine veteran. Having a car represents freedom so he can leave his apartment without waiting for rides, allowing him to more frequently volunteer and socialize with other veterans to help combat depression and effects of PTSD.
- Brigitte Garces, Debbie Hatfield, Suidi Ali and Lorae Chadwick. For these four recipients, unexpected job loss or abusive situations led to temporary homelessness. Now in independent housing, having their own cars eases the challenges of juggling bus schedules with child care and getting to and from work on time.
- Jeffrey Hicks, a Navy veteran. Hicks still faces challenges from injuries sustained while deployed in Afghanistan, so reliable transportation will enable him to better care for his two young sons’ and his own medical appointments.
The six Recycled Rides recipients were selected in partnership with three local nonprofit service organizations: Family Promise of Las Vegas, The Shade Tree and The Marine Corps League.
