Vehicle donation program shifts into high gear

The National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides -- a vehicle donation program to improve the image of the industry -- has shifted into high gear with body shops, insurers and vendors ready to serve families and service organizations throughout the country.

The kind of reliable transportation a family receives from Recycled Rides can provide a new lease on life, say organizers. Past families benefitting from the program have grappled with a variety of predicaments, including a single mother of nine adopted children and working parents who needed a reliable car to transport their son to and from dialysis treatment.

The initiative is now in its third year and well on its way to meeting its goal of 150 vehicles to be repaired, the great majority of which will be donated on Recycled Rides Give‐Away Day: Nov. 23. Procurement of vehicles for the program continues as of this writing.

The final phase of shop recruitment is closing fast. Already the first two vehicles to be refurbished have been identified and placed at their repair sites. One is a full‐size Chevrolet van donated by USAA Insurance.

Six Arizona auto body shops are coming together to fill a gap in the transportation needs of Disabled American Veterans (DAV). “We are so thankful to have good working vehicles to transport our veterans,” says Commander Bill Wiedbusch, whose Mesa, Ariz. DAV chapter received a vehicle last year. “The auto body industry in Arizona has been very generous. These additional vehicles will be a big help.”

Bob Schubert, of Impact Auto Body in Mesa, Ariz., is a Recycled Rides/DAV champion who refurbished the van received last year by the Mesa DAV chapter. “I am proud of my fellow body shop operators,” he states. “That not one but six shops came forward to assist in helping me help the DAV speaks to the generous heart of the industry, especially in this economy.”

“USAA is pleased to support NABC’s Recycled Rides initiative with the donation of a vehicle,” says Bill Putnam, senior vice president of USAA’s Phoenix and Region Operations. “This effort to provide working, reliable vehicles can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

The second vehicle to be repaired is a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country donated by Travelers Insurance and delivered to A & J Collision Repair in Conway, Ark., where Jody Gatchell and his crew are participating in Recycled Rides for the second time. “In 2008 we saw, firsthand, how Recycled Rides positively affected our community, our staff, and everyone involved,” noted Gatchell. “This is exactly why I agreed to participate. We’re grateful to have received one of the first vehicles and are excited to get going with the project!”

Bill Mayer of Insurance Auto Auctions and vehicle procurement coordinator for Recycled Rides is looking forward to what is shaping up to be another exciting chapter in the Recycled Rides story. “This initiative continues to attract more and more attention and grow at a steady rate,” he notes. “Many insurers are stepping up to help in this project, which makes my job easier."

Any collision shop, insurer, vendor, parts provider, or other company interested in participating in the Recycled Rides initiative is encouraged to contact NABC’s administrative office at (888) 667‐7433 (888‐66PRIDE) or e‐mail [email protected].

For more information, visit www.autobodycouncil.org.