Feb. 21, 2014—Caliber Collision and Recycled Rides made Valentine’s Day extra sweet for Senior Airman Jalisa Watkins of the U.S. Air Force and her family.
In an event held at Caliber Collision’s Edmonds, Okla., facility on Feb. 14, Watkins was surprised with a newly refurbished vehicle through the multiple-shop operation’s Recycled Rides program.
The vehicle was donated by Farmer’s Insurance and refurbished by Caliber Collision associates, who volunteered personal time to do the repairs.
Watkins and her husband have a 17-month-old son, and have been struggling with mounting debts that have left them without a car. Getting to work at Tinker Air Force Base in nearby Midwest City has been a challenge for her and without reliable transportation, it has been difficult for her husband to find a job. Watkins turned to Operation Homefront, a support organization for military families during difficult financial times, which nominated her for Caliber Collision’s latest giveaway.
“For many families struggling through hard times, lack of reliable transportation is a huge barrier towards regaining financial stability,” said Todd Dillender, Caliber Collision’s vice president of operations. “Our company mission is to restore the rhythm of our customer’s lives as we repair their vehicles. We hope this special Valentine’s Day gift will ease the burden of transportation and help Jalisa and her family get back on the road towards a brighter future.”