Farmers Insurance and Classic Collision celebrated Valentine’s Day by donating newly refurbished vehicles to the nonprofit Family Promise of Montgomery County Texas (FPMCT) and a deserving family in need during a special ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 14 in Houston. Farmers worked with technicians at Classic Collision, who donated their time and skills to restore a 2016 Ford Explorer and 2014 Chevy Sonic for the deserving recipients as part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program.
Local parents Harry Wiltz and Tracey Washington were family guests enrolled in Fort Bend Family Promise (FBFP) — a nonprofit organization whose mission is to meet the immediate needs of homeless families while empowering them to attain self-sufficiency — after the loss of a job plus a vehicle breakdown caused the family to experience housing instability. Through FBFP, the Wiltz/Washingtons have gained employment and transitioned to secure housing close to work and their son’s school. Receiving the 2014 Chevy Sonic is another important step in the family’s journey to achieve long-term independence.
“Since launching our organization on Feb. 14, 2005, Valentine’s Day has always held special meaning for all of us at Fort Bend Family Promise,” said Vera Johnson, executive director of Fort Bend Family Promise. “Today’s gifting is a fitting way to commemorate 18 years of service in Texas. Thanks to the generous support of organizations like Farmers, Classic Collision and the National Auto Body Council, we look forward to carrying on our mission to help families like the Wiltz/Washingtons.”
Added NABC Board of Directors member and United Recyclers Group CEO Don Porter, “Our goal is to give back to the communities where we live and work and help those in need obtain the reliable transportation that will help them continue on their path to independence. It’s an honor to come together with our members, Farmers Insurance and Classic Collision, to help the Wiltz/Washington family on their journey. We wish them all the best in the future.”
Family Promise of Montgomery County, Texas is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve homeless families with children by providing shelter, meals, transportation and compassionate assistance leading to independence. The organization received a 2016 Ford Explorer to help it continue its important work.
“Family Promise of Montgomery County is very grateful to be the recipient of this generous gift of transportation,” said Marilyn Kasmiersky, executive director for Family Promise of Montgomery County. “Without a vehicle or dependable transportation, it creates a hardship for families to get to and from work and basic living travel. Our goal is to remove barriers and transition our families with children into long-term stability and create generational change. The donation of this vehicle will be utilized to assist families getting to and from work, childcare, school and medical appointments. Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to receive this lovely donation. A big thank you to all who made this a reality.”
Added Classic Collision Area Vice President Drew Johnston, “Classic Collision has been a proud member of the Houston community for many years, and it’s always rewarding for us when we can leverage our expertise to make a positive impact. At our core, we strive to provide quality service to help customers get back on the road. We know how important dependable transportation can be and are happy to help give that gift to Family Promise of Montgomery County and a deserving family.”
Recycled Rides is a program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the program in 2007, NABC members have donated more than 3,000 vehicles valued at some $42 million.
For more information on Recycled Rides, click here.
