Jan. 18, 2016—The National Auto Body Council (NABC) celebrated its 1,000th Recycled Rides donation during Industry Week in Palm Springs, Calif.

The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder was donated to a local area couple, Marcella and Damian Walls, who have four children. The vehicle was donated by the Hertz Corporation and refurbished by Caliber Collision-Coachella Valley. Parts, materials and services were donated by LKQ Corporation, Palm Springs Nissan, Mohica Towing, and Valley Smog and Auto Repair.

Since Recycled Rides began in 2007, members of the NABC have made significant achievements:

• Over 1,000 vehicles donated by insurance, rental car, salvage and auto auction companies.
• 65,000 volunteer hours by collision repair professionals to refurbish the vehicles.
•  $4 million in parts, materials and services donated by manufacturers and suppliers.
• Total of more than $12 million in refurbished vehicles donated to veterans, active duty service members and struggling families.

“Individuals and families without reliable transportation are in a catch-22 situation,” said Domenic Brusco, chairman of the National Auto Body Council. “They struggle financially, cannot afford a car but without it, employment opportunities are limited. Thanks to the collaborative contributions from many in our collision industry, Recycled Rides provides the catalyst that many individuals need to restore independence, pride and self-esteem to become self-sustaining.”