Dec. 28, 2011—Seven Fix Auto repair centers this year participated in Recycled Rides, a National Auto Body Council-sponsored program that connects body shops and people in need.

The program allows body shops to repair and donate vehicles to families and service organizations, and because of these efforts, seven families were able to begin driving again.

Three Fix Auto locations in California—Escondido, Oceanside, and Riversid e—and one in Denver, Colo., donated cars through Operation Homefront. That organization provides emergency financial and other assistance to military families and wounded service members. 

In Pasadena, Calif., Fix Auto gave away a vehicle through Foothill Unity Center—a source of food, health services and crisis assistance for more than 4,000 low-income families.

In Portland, Ore., Fix Auto donated a car to a family with a sick child at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Next month, Fix Auto will also give a car to an Operation Homefront family in Santee, Calif.

“We are honored to participate in this program and we hope to expand our participation to include even more cars next year,” said Paul Gange, Fix Auto president and chief operating officer.