The National Auto Body Council (NABC), along with Farmers and repair partners Classic Collision and Caliber Collision, recently donated refurbished vehicles to two deserving Atlanta area residents, including a military veteran, as part of the NABC’s Recycled Rides program.
The presentation was held at the 13th Annual I-CAR Golf Tournament at The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm in Woodstock, benefiting the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The recipients were selected by The Warrior Alliance and Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb.
“It’s gratifying to provide needed vehicles for a military veteran and a single mom,” said Gerry Poirier of National APD Strategy and Process and NABC board member. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with Classic Collision and Caliber Collision on this program.”
The recipients included:
- Yaka Wyatt, a single mother with a young child who was nominated by Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb and received a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. She had previously lost her home, her previous car and most of her belongings through a series of unfortunate events. Her current vehicle was very old and needed significant repairs that cost more than the vehicle’s value. Since being in the Family Promise program, Yaka has obtained employment, paid off portions of her debt and rebuilt her credit. This vehicle will allow her to continue caring for her child and progressing in her path to independence.
- Jason Mindy, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1990 to 2004, who received a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Mindy, who was nominated by The Warrior Alliance, was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal, and had been without a car for over a year. He relied on public transportation to get to everywhere outside of walking distance. Having a reliable form of transportation will give him much more flexibility and freedom to get to VA doctor appointments, be more active within his veteran community and be able to have his own means of getting around.
“My first thought was WOW, this is going to help me so much,” said Mindy. “I am so grateful to everyone who helped make this a reality.”
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.
Additional partners in the presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars; Enterprise; I-CAR; Caliber Auto Glass; Axalta; Accurate Wheel Repair; Nalley Hyundai; Suwanee Auto Repair; ProTech; Paintlines; Collision Repair Education Foundation; Troncalli Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge; Imperial Autosports; Tri-County Chevrolet; PPG; Ultimate Auto Glass and Electronics; LKQ; Copart; and AutoNation Hyundai Mall of Georgia.
