Five Las Vegas families have been given the gift of transportation to jumpstart their lives. Each received a newly refurbished vehicle at the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Annual Recycled Rides presentation during SEMA.

“The gift of an automobile is like finding a light switch and turning it on after stumbling around in the dark,” said Sherwood Wade-El, a single father of four children and one of five families who have been struggling without a car.

Since 2009, members of the NABC have donated 55 vehicles to help families in Las Vegas. Nationally, nearly 1,000 vehicles have been donated through the Recycled Rides program.

“This industry-wide collaboration to provide reliable transportation for those in need exemplifies the professionalism and integrity of our collision industry,” said Chuck Sulkala, NABC executive director. “We are proud to partner with Family Promise of Greater Las Vegas and help make a positive difference in the lives of Las Vegas families over the past seven years.”

Four of the Recycled Rides vehicles were gifted to families nominated by Family Promise of Las Vegas and the fifth vehicle to a military veteran selected by the Leatherneck Club. The recipients are: Sherwood Wade-El, Robert and Shasity Basuil, Chrysalyn and Ny Springer, Nicole Williams and Thomas Mlechick.

“These families have had more than their fair share of troubles in life that they are overcoming with sheer determination and grit,” said Terry Lindemann, executive director of Family Promise of Las Vegas. “This gift of a vehicle is the catalyst they need to continue on their journey to success.”