In honor of Military Appreciation Month, an Operation Enduring Freedom Army veteran was gifted a 2013 Toyota Prius.

Connor Kirk served in Afghanistan until 2016. When he returned to Long Island, he endured the struggles with being back in the states, which many veterans experience. Eager to move forward, he contacted the Northport VA Medical Center and got assistance with many of the necessities to get back on his feet. Many veterans face struggles that society is not aware of, and Kirk conquered those with great strength.

The National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program allows multiple organizations to come together and give a helping hand to somebody in need. The NABC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the mission of developing, implementing and promoting community-based initiatives that exemplify the professionalism and integrity of the collision industry.

Kirk is a young man who is constantly striving to get better and make progress toward his goals. He works two jobs and is constantly helping anyone he can. He has a bright future ahead of him, with plans for college and a new career within the next few years.

“This is just a blessing,” said Kirk. “I can’t take the smile off my face!”

The Collison Centers, along with Driving 4 Change, hosted the Recycled Rides event. but it could not have happened without many other organizations as well:

• Allstate donated the vehicle
• The Collision Centers of Patchogue repaired the Toyota Prius
• Driving 4 Change donated the title and registration
• Collision Diagnostic, Apple Honda, Pro Tech Locksmith and Kemperle Paint donated parts and services
• Enterprise Rent A Car donated refreshments
• The event was hosted at Village of Patchogue Fired Department

There were also some luminaries at the event, including Councilman Neil Foley, State Assemblyman Dean Murray and Suffolk County legislator Robert Calarco, Beth Hanlon of Riverhead Allstate and Kourtney Bevis of the Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services.

“It is always amazing to me that so many people and organizations come together to do good,” said Madison Larson, HR manager at The Collision Centers. “It makes NABC’s Recycled Rides program such a great thing to be a part of. Watching the smile on the recipient’s face makes it all worth it.”