A shop owner who grew up believing in the importance of helping others was honored for his community service efforts recently. Since 1993, BankFive of Fall River, Mass., has bestowed an award on local residents who are, in the bank’s words, “an individual who has volunteered selflessly to benefit families, children or the elderly, and has had a positive impact on the lives of others.”
Carl Garcia, who is the owner of Carl’s Collision Center, received that award on Jan. 20 at his shop in Fall River, Mass. The Hometown Hero program was established as a way to recognize individuals in the community for heroic deeds or acts of kindness and exceptional volunteer efforts, BankFive says.
Thomas F. Lyons, president and CEO of BankFive, presented the Hometown Hero award to Garcia. During the presentation, he said that he was impressed that Garcia was so involved in his community, considering the demands of his business.
“His tireless efforts are an inspiration to all, and his willingness to help others has been a great influence to those around him,” said Lyons.
Garcia credited his parents for instilling in him at a young age the importance of not only helping others, but getting other involved to help as well.
“The values I learned then helped define who I am today, and I am very grateful to them because they taught me lessons that have not only made me a good businessman but a good neighbor and a good citizen,” said Garcia.
The goods deeds that Garcia has been involved in the community are many, BankFive says, and one even involves the collision industry. Along with his work for Citizens for Citizens – Operation Christmas, A Wish Come True, Sea Arid Scholarship Fund, Fall River Firefighters Association, Rhode Island Diabetes Association, and the Katie Brown Fund – which raises awareness among youths about domestic violence – Garcia was also noted for his donating a refurbished van to the Fall River Council on Aging as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Ride Program.
Carl’s Collision occupies over 33,000 square feet and employs 60-plus technicians, painters and office staff. Carl’s Collision also has an on-site training center that hosts I-CAR training classes and other training programs.
More information:
• Mass. Council on Aging Chapter Gets Recycled Ride from Carl’s Collision
