October 28, 2010—Sterling Autobody Centers announced on Wednesday the donation of supplies worth more than $200,000 to 36 high schools, colleges and vocational programs.

Due to Sterling’s nationwide conversion to water-based paint, the surplus solvent-based paints were donated along with adhesives and abrasives, according to a Sterling press release_notes. The I-CAR Collision Repair Education Foundation facilitated the donations.

“Technicians are the lifeblood of our industry and we are proud to support the many programs around the country responsible for their training and development,” said Bob Benjamin, vice president of operations at Sterling. “Donating our surplus paint and materials is the right thing to do for the environment, but more importantly, it’s an investment in our future and the future of the collision repair industry.”

“Sterling’s donation is in keeping with these green efforts by recycling their unused paint supplies. Rather than let this material go to waste, these supplies will be put to good use in teaching young men and women the skills needed to find a great career in the collision industry,” said Scott Kruger, executive director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation. “Thank you to Sterling Autobody Centers for their efforts to help both the environment and collision repair schools.”