NABC members provide six Las Vegas residents with life-changing car donations at SEMA

There were plenty of smiles and tears of happiness as six Las Vegas residents who have been struggling with lack of reliable transportation received keys to practically brand new cars from members of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) at its annual Recycled Rides Luncheon in SEMA. Vehicles for this year’s car giveaway were donated by Allstate, GEICO, State Farm, USAA, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Hertz, and refurbished by Caliber Collision, Fix Auto Henderson, Gaudin Ford, Gerber Collision & Glass and Rupert’s Auto Body. Parts, materials and services were contributed by LKQ Corporation, Axalta, Akzo Nobel, ColorGlo, High Sierra Glass Works, LT Mufflers and Brakes, Milne Auto Tow, Reno Buick GMC, Sierra Wheel Repair, The Pit Shop, Alpine Lock and Fast Glass.

Recipient Brigitte Garces with representatives of Allstate and Gaudin Ford who donated her 2008 2008 Ford Edge.

“Lack of transportation is often a major obstacle for individuals and families trying to recover from catastrophic circumstances such as unexpected job loss and homelessness,” said Chuck Sulkala, Executive Director of the National Auto Body Council.  “We are proud for the collaborative effort of many NABC members who through Recycled Rides help change lives by donating vehicles that represent hope, independence and freedom.”
 
RECIPIENTS

• For Patrick Kelly, a disabled Marine veteran, having a car represents freedom so he can leave his apartment without waiting for rides, allowing him to more frequently volunteer and socialize with other veterans to help combat depression and effects of PTSD.
• For four of the recipients, Brigitte Garces, Debbie Hatfield, Suidi Ali and Lorae Chadwick, unexpected job loss or abusive situations led to temporary homelessness. Now in independent housing, having their own car eases the challenges of juggling bus schedules with child care, getting to and from work on time and hope for better quality of life for their families.
• And for Jeffrey Hicks, a Navy veteran who still faces challenges from injuries sustained while deployed in Afghanistan,  reliable transportation will enable him to better care to his two young sons’ and his own medical appointments.

 
The six Recycled Rides recipients were selected in partnership with three local nonprofit service organizations – Family Promise of Las Vegas, The Shade Tree and The Marine Corps League.
 
ABOUT RECYCLED RIDES™
Recycled Rides is a national program where members of the collision industry collaborate and contribute resources to repair and donate vehicles to individuals in need. Since the program’s inception in 2007, members of the National Auto body Council have donated nearly 1300 vehicles valued at nearly $1.7 million.