In recognition of National Caregivers Month, Wheels of Success and CARSTAR presented cars to two Florida caregivers on Nov. 21 through the nonprofit organization’s new Cars for Caregivers program. The vehicles were awarded at CARSTAR at Pro Auto in Tampa and James CARSTAR Collision in Palm Harbor, Fla.
Getting to work without a car poses challenges for many people, but especially to people who work in the evenings and on the weekends when public transit is often not available. Of course, healthcare needs do not always fit neatly into business hours, so for those who work in the medical field, having personal transportation is not just a convenience, it is a necessity.
"Having reliable transportation enables caregivers to take care of their families so that they can take care of ours," said Susan Jacobs, founder and CEO of Wheels of Success, a local nonprofit that provides vehicles and vehicle repairs to Tampa Bay area families so that they can maintain their employment.
Through a partnerships with Recycled Rides, a nationwide community service project whereby members of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) repair and donate recycled vehicles to families and service organizations in need, two patient care providers received the keys to "new to them" cars from Wheels of Success, CARSTAR at Pro Auto and James CARSTAR Collision. Many other local automotive vendors worked together to support the rebuilding of the "recycled rides," including Esurance, LKQ/Keystone, Performance Auto Repair Palm Harbor, Bay Area Glass Works Pinellas Park and Advance Auto Parts Palm Harbor.
"Across the country, the CARSTAR store owners are doing heroic work helping members of their communities meet their transportation needs," said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. "We’re proud to bring our talented auto body repair experts to the forefront of this important cause."
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Wheels of Success