On Nov. 23, the Monday before Thanksgiving, five Arizona veterans organizations received refurbished vehicles thanks to five collision repair centers participating in the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program.
In 2008, Impact Auto Body of Mesa, Ariz., refurbished a vehicle supplied by Allstate Insurance and donated it to the Disabled American Veterans of Mesa, Chapter 8. Impact Auto Body says that the program was so successful that five Arizona collision repair shops decided to work together in 2009 to donate several vehicles to military organizations and veterans in need. The shops that participated are 911 Collision Centers, Auto Body World, Invision Auto Body, Select Auto Body and Impact Auto Body – all located in the Phoenix valley.
This year’s recipients were Disabled American Veterans chapters and Military Families Foundation. The presentation was hosted at the state capital by Arizona Representative Jerry Weiers of District 12. Approximately 150 attended the event, including retired Army Colonel Joey Strickland, head of Arizona Veterans Services and Victor Daniels, Policy Advisor for Military Affairs from Governor Brewers office.
“This was a very special day. There are so many that contributed towards getting these vehicles ready including all of the shop employees that donated their time,” said Bob Schubert, owner of Impact Auto Body. “It’s amazing how everybody jumped on board when they found out that the vehicles would be given to American military veterans. I can’t thank everybody enough for their participation.”
The vehicles were donated by State Farm Insurance, USAA Insurance, Esurance and Auto Body World. Many businesses contributed towards the cost of repairs: Akzo Nobel Coatings, Alloy Wheel Repair, Arizona Color Promotions, Auto Vaun Service Center, Brown and Brown Chevrolet, Arizona Automotive Recyclers Association, Camelback Volkswagen, EverReady Auto Glass, Full Circle Car Wash, Kent Automotive, Leading Edge Auto Finishes, LKQ All Models, Power Ford, Purcell’s Tires, Raintree Auto Body, Reliable Auto Glass, Scotts Coachworks, Wade’s Discount Muffler and Brakes, Wright Signs and Wurth USA.
The Disabled American Veterans is a non-profit organization that acts as an advocate for disabled veterans to ensure that each receives the benefits that they are entitled to.
Military Families Foundation, also non-profit, provides direct support to deployed soldiers and their families that are suffering financial hardships as a result of their service.
More information:
• Recycled Rides Rolls Out 72 Vehicles During Nationwide Giveaway
