H&V Collision Centers, the largest independently owned collision repair company in the Capital Region, has partnered with GEICO and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, to donate a refitted vehicle to a local family in time for the holidays.
A van equipped for special needs transport was presented at the H&V Collision Centers Oakwood Avenue location on Dec. 22 to members of the Deere family of Clifton Park. The young family has been dealing with the effects of a near fatal disease suffered by their four-year-old son James.
In 2010, James suffered from septic shock, which forced doctors to amputate a leg and an arm. James still deals with other effects of the debilitating condition and is confined to a wheelchair. The refitted van is specially suited to transport him.
“We were moved when we learned about the struggle James and his family face because of this sudden and almost fatal illness. Thankfully, H&V and GEICO, with the help of Catholic Charities, are in a position to help out,” said H&V’s Vartan Jerian Jr.
The H&V Donation event was attended by State Senator Roy McDonald, Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino, Troy Mayor-elect Louis Rosamilia and other dignitaries.
Major partners for the H&V Collision Centers Donation included GEICO and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, and partners including Enterprise Rent a Car, DuPont, Keystone automotive parts, Mangino car dealership, Tire Warehouse, NAPA, Jerry Brown’s automotive parts, Gotcha Auto Glass, Capital Bauer Insurance and One Day Signs.
Crews from the H&V Collision Centers operation were enthusiastic about working on refitting the vehicle to be durable and more suited to transporting James and the family.
“Many of our employees have children, and they were very enthusiastic about working on this project. James’ story touched them and we are very proud about the way the van came out,” said Jerian.
The 2011 holidays mark the second year H&V Collision Centers have teamed up with other community organizations to donate a vehicle to a needy family.
