CARSTAR Miller Auto Body and Erie Insurance Donate a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Jefferson, WI Veterans’ Service Organization in Need of Reliable Transportation in Conjunction with National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® Program

January 2, 2020December 30, 2019 by admin

CARSTAR Miller Auto Body and Erie Insurance Donate a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Jefferson, WI Veterans’ Service Organization in Need of Reliable Transportation in Conjunction with National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® Program

Car Presentation to Veterans’ Group Took Place December 17 at the Jefferson County Veterans’ Service Office in Jefferson, WI

JEFFERSON, WI (December 30, 2019) – On December 17, a Jefferson, WI, veterans’ service organization experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle to enable them to provide transportation to area veterans to events, meetings and medical appointments – thanks to CARSTAR Miller Auto Body and car donor Erie Insurance along with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides®.

The presentation of the 2004 Lexus RX330 to the Jefferson County Veterans Foundation was held at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Jefferson, WI. Attendees, shown at right, David Devine, Erie Insurance, Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson County Veterans Service Officer,

Dan Schultz, Erie Insurance, Jim Seidl, JCVF, Chair, Joseph Naylor, JCVF, Vice-Chair, Tim Anhalt, JCVF, Treasurer, Bob Jonas (Erie Insurance Agent, Day Insurance, Fort Atkinson, WI), Marty Zabel, General Manager, CARSTAR Miller Auto Body, Eric Mueller, Shop Manager, CARSTAR Miller Auto Body.

“We were honored to work with Erie Insurance and the National Auto Body Council to restore the Lexus for the veterans,” said Debbie Zabel with CARSTAR Miller Auto Body, shown at right with the team including (L-R) Joel Zabel, CARSTAR Miller Auto Body, Erika Zabel-Turek, CARSTAR Miller Auto Body, Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson County Veterans Service Officer, Marty Zabel, General Manager, Miller Auto Body CARSTAR, and Debbie Zabel, Miller Auto Body CARSTAR. “It gives us joy to know that it will be used to bring our veterans to their doctors’ appointments and other services for the organization.”

NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 2,400 vehicles valued at more than $34 million.

Local First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) Program

January 2, 2020December 23, 2019 by admin

Local First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) Program

NABC F.R.E.E.™ Program, LKQ Corporation Provide Education and Guidance for Burleson and surrounding areas on How to Extricate People from Today’s Advanced Vehicles

Burleson, TX – More than 30 first responders from Burleson and surrounding areas gathered recently for a demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the region, all thanks to the National Auto Body Council® F.R.E.E.™ program and LKQ Corporation.

In crashes where minutes can spell the difference between life and death, first responders to the accident scene need up-to-date information so they can act quickly and safely! Knowing specifically where and how to efficiently cut, pry and extricate can make the difference in saving precious minutes and lives as well as the safety of the first responders.

Keeping first responders up to date on the latest new technology in vehicles is a challenge for every local fire department. The NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.™) helps first responders stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles are all covered in the program. The growing popularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this program a necessity. Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident. Electric cars, hybrid cars and natural gas vehicles have fuel systems that pose dangers for first responders if need arises to cut or pry the vehicle for rescue.

LKQ Corporation, located at 2955 S. Burleson Blvd., Burleson, TX, hosted first responders from Burleson and surrounding areas at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ instruction program to help ensure Texas drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident.

Randy Wittig, director of LKQ Corporation Special Projects said “We work with vehicles with high-tensile strength steels every day. It was a privilege to connect with our local first responders and provide the opportunity to practice extrication techniques on later model cars.”

Donna Winn LKQ Site Manger added “The LKQ Burleson location is a large facility that gives us the ability to host a NABC F.R.E.E.™ event. Hosting an event is one way to give back to the community and provides First Responders the opportunity to practice extrication techniques.”

Toyota auto manufacturer provided the vehicles, and HURST Jaws of Life supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration.

CARSTAR La Habra Joins Allstate to Donate a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Los Angeles Recipient in Need of Reliable Transportation

January 2, 2020December 17, 2019 by admin

CARSTAR La Habra Joins Allstate to Donate a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Los Angeles Recipient in Need of Reliable Transportation

Car Presentation to Recipients Took Place on Wednesday, December 11 at CARSTAR La Habra in La Habra, CA

LA HABRA, CA (December 17, 2019) – On Wednesday, December 11, a deserving Los Angeles resident will experience a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families – thanks to CARSTAR La Habra and car donor Allstate Insurance, along with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program.

The presentation was held at CARSTAR La Habra in La Habra, CA.

CARSTAR La Habra and Allstate Insurance presented a refurbished 2018 Jeep Compass to the DelGado family, who was selected by Family Promise of Orange County.

The DelGado family, with daughters Daisy and Zoe and a new baby on the way, need transportation to take care of their family, get to work and become self-sufficient. Miguel DelGado is a maintenance technician and Erica DelGado works at a bowling alley. They recently were approved for state-funded child care, which means Erica can now work full time. They became homeless after their car broke down and Miguel was challenged getting to work on time. They are now taking the bus, a challenge for a family in Orange County.

“What a great day and what a great opportunity to celebrate with the DelGado family,” said Huy Truong with CARSTAR LaHabra. “Being able to work with our team at CARSTAR LaHabra, Allstate and our other partners to give their family reliable transportation is amazing.”

Santa Presents Veteran Gift of Transportation

January 2, 2020December 10, 2019 by admin

Santa Presents Veteran Gift of Transportation

A veteran from Kansas City, Missouri received an early Christmas gift when Santa awarded him keys to a 2015 Chrysler 200 at a ceremony on Thursday, December 12.

Lawrence Smith (pictured above, right, receiving keys to a 2015 Chrysler 200 from Santa Claus at CARSTAR Metcalf), was chosen by Veterans Community Project (VCP) in Kansas City. Smith lives in “VCP Village” which is a community of tiny homes built by the VCP as transitional living for homeless veterans.

Smith does not currently have access to a vehicle. His job is out by the Kauffman Stadium and he has taken the bus to work for the past seven months, which is approximately 90 minutes to work and 90 minutes back. Smith, an Army veteran, needed his own transportation, not only to reduce his commute, but also to allow him to begin school. He plans to start classes in January 2020, which will allow him to pursue his dream of a career in Information Technology.

“This car couldn’t go to a more deserving or harder working guy. Watching his growth while at VCP over the last year has been inspiring. He set a goal, he has worked very hard towards it, and now he will have the ability to go back to school, thanks to this car,” said Wes Williams, case manager at Veterans Community Project.

The veteran was chosen to receive a National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® vehicle from CARSTAR Metcalf Auto Body. NABC Recycled Rides® is a community service program of the National Auto Body Council® where body shops repair and donate vehicles to agencies and families in need.

The Chrysler 200 was donated by Farmers Insurance^®. The vehicle had been damaged due to a collision but had less than 63,000 miles. Technicians at CARSTAR Metcalf volunteered their skills to repair and refurbish the car.

“When Farmers offered this car, I thought it was perfect for the NABC Recycled Rides® program,” said Steve Hahn, owner of CARSTAR Metcalf. “This is a great way to give back to veterans in our community and show them appreciation.”

(Pictured above, left, Steve Hahn, owner of CARSTAR Metcalf presented keys to a NABC Recycled Ride® to Lawrence Smith, a veteran from Veterans Community Project in Kansas City.)

“Farmers Insurance was founded by two World War I veterans and we are proud of our longstanding commitment to our nation’s veterans and military members,” said Wendy Hesse, a MSO account manager for Farmers Insurance. “The Farmers team is honored to be able to give the gift of dependable transportation to a veteran who has sacrificed for our country.”

Farmers employees from the Olathe, Kansas office also donated some “extras” to the veteran during the holiday season, including a winter coat, winter accessories and gas station gift cards.

Santa Claus was played by Chris Lauderdale, Field Claims Supervisor for Farmers Insurance.VFW Post 7396 in Lenexa provided the Honor Guard.

Many other businesses and organizations donated to make this car gifting possible including Allied/Blue Valley Towing, Burnett Automotive, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Extreme Detail, Midway Auto Parts, New Century Dodge, Olathe Dodge, State Line Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge, The Glass Company, VFW Post 7396, Charity Cars and the National Auto Body Council.

This is the second year CARSTAR Metcalf has partnered with Veterans Community Project to donate a car to a veteran to help them improve their lives.

About CARSTAR Metcalf: This CARSTAR location is located at 7235 West 162^nd St in Stilwell, KS. Steve Hahn is the owner. www.carstarmetcalf.com.

The National Auto Body Council® Joins Forces with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and Hertz to Educate Students about the Dangers of Distracted Driving

January 2, 2020December 5, 2019 by admin

THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL® JOINS FORCES WITH THE COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND HERTZ TO EDUCATE STUDENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING

The NABC™ Distracted Driving Initiative™ Shares the “It Can Wait” Program with Students at Kingswood Park High School in Houston

CHARLOTTE (December 5, 2019) – This week, students at Kingswood Park High School in Houston experienced a virtual education program – one that shared the dangers of distracted driving. Thanks to support from Hertz, the National Auto Body Council® Distracted Driving Initiative™ was able to bring the “It Can Wait” program to hundreds of high school students participating in the Collision Repair Education Foundation Career Fair at the school.

The program features virtual reality goggles through which students can see first-hand how quickly taking their eyes and attention off the road can lead to dangerous results. Students were able to take the “It Can Wait” pledge and share their commitment not to let distracted driving impact their safety on the road. More than 500 students participated in the event.

“For teen drivers, the dangers of driving distracted are even greater,” said Brandon Rodriguez of Hertz. “We want to help them understand how even a glance at your phone or your entertainment center in your vehicle can lead to an accident. Armed with smart tips for reducing distraction and their personal pledge to drive safely, we hope they can not only protect themselves on the road but be role models for their friends and family.”

National Auto Body Council® Elects New Board Members, Confirms Current Board Members at 2019 SEMA Show

December 10, 2019November 11, 2019 by admin

LAS VEGAS (November 11, 2019) – At the 2019 SEMA Show, the National Auto Body Council™ held its annual meeting and board elections. In addition to re-electing five board members whose terms were expiring, it also welcomed two new members to the National Auto Body Council™ Board.

Active members in attendance at the NABC™ annual meeting had an opportunity to vote on the board members to guide the organization forward over the next three years. Newly elected board members include:

Paul Grant, President, FindPigtails.com
Matt Immerfall, CEO, All Star Auto Lights

The re-elected board members include:

Clint Marlow, Director – Claims Innovation and Customer Experience, Allstate Insurance
Anthony Natale, President, Dent Concepts
Doug Schlueter, Principal, MSO Business Development, I-CAR
Elizabeth Stein, Vice President of Industry Relations, Assured Performance
Debbie Teter, Director of Sales and Marketing, Garmat USA

For 2019-2020, the NABC™ board of directors will be:

Kerry Angers, Assistant Vice President, OEM Sales, Enterprise Holdings
Barry Barbee, Innovation and Industry Relations, Peddle
Keith Bell, North American Distribution and Industry Relations Director, Axalta Coating Systems
Kristle Bollans, Director of Replacement Accounts, the Hertz Corporation,
Kevin Creegan, National Accounts Manager, Saint Gobain Automotive Aftermarket
Brian Driehorst, Vice President of Business Development for Original One Parts
Keith Egan, National Account Manager / BETAG Innovation
Paul Grant, President, FindPigtails.com
Luke Harris, AVP of Innovation, USAA
Darren Huggins, National Collision Center Director, Berkshire Hathaway Automotive
Matt Immerfall, CEO, All Star Auto Lights
Arlo Johnson, Vice President, Sales, CARSTAR
Michael Jordan, Collision Director, IRA Collision Center
Gene Lopez, Director of Development and Training, Seidner’s Collision Centers
Clint Marlow, Director – Claims Innovation and Customer Experience, Allstate Insurance
Anthony Natale, President, Dent Concepts
Gerry Poirier, National APD Strategy Manager, Farmers Insurance
Doug Schlueter, Principal, MSO Business Development, I-CAR
Elizabeth Stein, Vice President of Industry Relations, Assured Performance
Debbie Teter, Marketing Director/National Account Manager, Garmat USA
Randy Wittig, Director of Special Projects, LKQ Corporation

The NABC™ Executive Committee adds three new members with NABC™ membership issuing a vote of confidence in our Chairman:

Darren Huggins – Chairman
Clint Marlow – Vice-Chair of Industry Relations
Elizabeth Stein – Vice-Chair of Community Relations
Doug Schlueter – Secretary
Brian Driehorst – Treasurer
Barry Barbee – Director-at-Large
Domenic Brusco – Immediate Past Chairman

“We have accomplished a great deal in 2019 and set the trajectory for the next several years,” said Bill Garoutte, President and CEO of the National Auto Body Council™. “We look forward to working with our volunteer board members – both new and returning – to continue to build positive awareness for our NABC™ members and enhance the foundation of the wonderful institution of the National Auto Body Council™. Also, we thank these board members for their commitment of time and resources to help advance our important cause. We humbly thank outgoing board members Elizabeth Clark and Bill Mayer for their years of service.”

Six Deserving Families Receive Refurbished Vehicles at SEMA through NABC™ Recycled Rides® Program

November 15, 2019November 7, 2019 by admin

Emotional Car Presentation to Recipients Took Place Wednesday, November 6, at the 2019 SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS (November 6, 2019) – The confetti streamed and so did the tears as six deserving Las Vegas residents received gifts of refurbished vehicles to help them take care of their families, get to work, manage medical appointments and gain their much-desired independence.

At the 2019 SEMA Show, the National Auto Body Council™ Recycled Rides® program joined forces with insurance carriers State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive, rental car companies Hertz and Enterprise, and collision repair facilities and MSOs such as Caliber Collision, Service King, CARSTAR and Gerber Collision, vendor partners such as 1.800.Charity Cars, LKQ and others.

The NABC™ Recycled Rides® recipients gathered with their children, spouses and friends to unveil their newly refreshed vehicles in spectacular fashion. Karl Champley, automotive and home improvement expert and TV host served as emcee for the presentation.

“Annually, this is our biggest event that we put on for all of those in the industry who support the work of the National Auto Body Council™,” said Darren Huggins, chairman of the board for the NABC™. “Changing lives for these six families is what we are all about, and it takes a collective effort of industry leaders to make it possible.”

The recipients included:

Chris Feliz and Amanda Holland, parents of four, who relocated to Las Vegas from a small town in Arizona with their four children, didn’t imagine they would end up homeless. But they found the Family Promise Homeless Shelter, and that helped them on the path back to independence. Chris was introduced to Job Connect, and he found a job with an apartment complex, which provided them housing. Amanda just started a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Now their challenge is getting their children to charter school and activities, which today involves some three hours on buses and ride shares. They were nominated by Family Promise, and today, Feliz and Holland unveiled a 2018 Chevy Malibu that was donated by Hertz and repaired by Service King- Red Rock. This gift of transportation will provide them the final piece they need to return to full independence.
Cathy Fromoltz and her husband John received a 2017 Toyota Corolla that was donated by GEICO and refurbished by Gerber Collision – Henderson. Cathy Fromoltz was selected by Lake Mead Ministries to help her get back on her feet after losing her position at the Rainbow Casino. She then found out she had cancer and had no insurance, which meant she and her husband had to sell their car to take care of medical bills. Cathy and her husband, who is disabled, move to Las Vegas to care for John’s parents. They also have an adult son who is mentally challenged and lives with them. This gift of transportation will help them care for their family and get to their medical appointments.
Jeremy Davis and Naomi Jenkins, who have worked hard to earn their independence. As parents of two, they trade work and child-care responsibilities between the day shift and the evening shift. They spent just a few months in the Family Promise shelter program before moving on to their own home. They received a 2018 Ford Fusion that was donated by Enterprise and refurbished by CARSTAR Collision Masters in Las Vegas. Between daycare, school and jobs, this gift of a vehicle will make an incredible difference in their lives.
Felicia Houston is a hardworking single mother of an 11-year-old son who said reliable transportation is the only gift she wants for Christmas. Santa delivered a 2017 Nissan Altima that donated by State Farm and was refurbished by Gerber Collision. She is enrolled in the Family Promise of Las Vegas Housing and Stabilization Program and has been employed at Mandalay Bay Hotel for the past six years. She has been struggling to get to work and travel throughout the community on public transportation. Even though she has a reliable job she has not been able to save money to buy a car. With the gift of the vehicle, Christmas came early for Houston.
Janata Gibson, and her four teen and pre-teen sons, has worked hard to keep her family together and continue their independence. She moved to Las Vegas a year ago and landed a job within weeks but the family did not have housing. They found it would be difficult to keep the family together because some of the shelters place older teens in a separate dorm of the building. She called Family Promise and there was an opening. Gibson enrolled as a family and there was no separation of the teens. Family Promise guided the family with the necessary resources to obtain a beautiful apartment for her family. Receiving a car means not leaving two hours early to get to work, paying for a taxi to handle errands and make it easier to get the family to school and activities. With the gift of a 2018 Honda Civic from Progressive that was refurbished by Caliber Collision, she is on her way to freedom.
One additional gifting as part of this year’s program was presented earlier this fall because the family had an immediate need for transportation. Ma’Lia Ashe-Wiggings received a 2014 Toyota Corolla that was donated by Allstate and repaired by Service King – Grass Valley. Ashe-Wiggins has three little boys. She moved to Las Vegas from California due to domestic violence. When she arrived, she was working two jobs and caring for her children, two of whom have disabilities. She was let go from one job due to her child care duties and medical needs. That led her to get behind on her rent, and she became homeless. Family Promise provided her and her family shelter, food and supplies, which allowed her to work everyday and keep her children in school and daycare. Now, she is getting back on her feet, but still juggling the challenges of managing an active family, constant medical visits and the commute to work. The gift of transportation has made it already possible to more effectively take care of her family and continue her path to independence.

As part of the event, the Hall of Eagles honored Mike Anderson as its 2019 inductee. Also, Margaret Keith was recognized for her work on the NABC F.R.E.E. programs over the years.

NABC™ Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC™ Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,200 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.

Additional partners in the NABC™ Recycled Rides® presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars and LKQ, among others.

National Auto Body Council™ Announces 2019 NABC Award Winners

December 10, 2019November 4, 2019 by admin

Branning Collision Takes NABC™ Body Shop Image Honors, April Lausch of Faulkner Collision Center Receives NABC™ Award of Distinction

LAS VEGAS (November 4, 2019) – At the 2019 SEMA Show, the National Auto Body Council™ will join the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards event to present the awards to its annual NABC™ award winners, honoring the business leaders who set the standards for the collision repair industry.

“Across America,there are collision repair professionals who are doing incredible work to build their businesses and serve their local communities,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the National Auto Body Council™. “We are honored to recognize these two individuals and organizations for their accomplishments, but also salute the thousands of other business leaders in our industry.”

The NABC™ Body Shop Image Award recognizes the most significant improvements made to a shop’s interior and exterior. The result of this effort improved the image in the community and promoted the professionalism of the collision repair industry.

The NABC™ Body Shop Image Award was presented to Paul Branning of Branning
Collision, with six locations in eastern New Jersey. They were selected for décor and ambiance at their location at 98 Crow Hill Rd., Freehold, NJ. Branning works hard to portray an attractive atmosphere for customers, the community and his team. Many customers comment that they feel like they’ve entered a beautiful lobby. Branning’s Freehold location is known for their large fish tank, which
brings returning customers and their children just to see the fish. Three other Branning locations are being renovated to match the standards of the Freehold location and continue the tradition.

The NABC™ Award of Distinction recognizes individuals for bravery, philanthropy, charity and selfless acts of kindness. It transcends the rigors of daily business to uncover those helping the world around them without a thought of recognition for themselves.

The NABC™ Award of Distinction was given to April Lausch, marketing manager for Faulkner Collision Center with 12 locations in central and eastern Pennsylvania. Faulkner was honored for her support of numerous NABC™ Recycled Rides® and NABC™ F.R.E.E.™ events over the year. Lausch and her team at Faulkner’s have given generously refurbishing vehicles for those in need and hosting education events for local first responders.

“We are so proud to be able to recognize the leaders in shaping the reputation and image of the collision repair industry,” said Marie Peevy, co-chair of the NABC Awards Committee.

Debbie Teter, who shares chairman duties with Peevy, seconded the honors. “There are many terrific people and companies who go above and beyond to give back to the industry and we excited to award their efforts each year.”

NABC Recycled Rides® Program Joined Hertz and CARSTAR Ideal Arvada In Donating a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Denver Veteran in Need of Reliable Transportation

December 31, 2019October 21, 2019 by admin

NABC Recycled Rides® Program Joined Hertz and CARSTAR Ideal Arvada In Donating a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Denver Veteran in Need of Reliable Transportation

Car Presentation Held Saturday, October 19, at the Westminster Harvest Festival

WESTMINSTER, CO (October 21, 2019) – On Saturday, October 19, a deserving Denver veteran experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle that will provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her family – thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donor Hertz and collision repair partner CARSTAR Ideal Arvada, located in Arvada, CO.

The presentation was held at the Westminster Harvest Festival this past Saturday.

“It was an honor to meet our recipient, Alexandria Faulkner, and recognize her service in the U.S. Army at this popular Denver event,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of NABC™. “Many thanks to our NABC™ Level One members Hertz and CARSTAR for making today’s car presentation possible. We hope it provides Alexandria the opportunity to fulfill her potential in her post-military career.

NABC Recycled Rides®, Hertz and CARSTAR Ideal Arvada presented a 2017 Hyundai Elantra to deserving veteran Faulkner. Faulkner served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist / E-4 in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. She received the following commendations:

Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star
National Defense Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M Device

“My husband and I are disabled veterans, and this car will allow us to get to medical appointments and other daily activities,” said Faulkner. “I work at the VFW as the Post 1 Commander, so it will also help me take care of other veterans.”

Later this fall, Farmers’ Insurance and Caliber Collision Westminster will present a second vehicle to a local resident as part of the NABC Recycled Rides® program.

Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars, Striped by Louie, Street Smart Window Tinting, Discount Tire and Ralph Schomp Hyundai. Participating CARSTAR Ideal Arvada team members included:

Wayne Samuel, GM
Jeff Samuel, Owner
Sheila Samuel Lefor, Owner
Jami Sandstrom, Parts Manager
John Bey
John Mares
LJ Sandavol-Navarro

Faulkner Collison Center Of Lancaster Joins State Farm In Donating Refurbished Vehicles To A Deserving Lancaster Veteran In Need Of Reliable Transportation

November 11, 2019October 11, 2019 by admin

Faulkner Collison Center Of Lancaster Joins State Farm In Donating Refurbished Vehicles To A Deserving Lancaster Veteran In Need Of Reliable Transportation

LANCASTER, PA – On Thursday, October 10, a deserving Lancaster veteran experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle to provide him independence and the ability to work and take care of his family – thanks to Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster and car donor State Farm, along with the National Auto Body Council™ Recycled Rides® program.

The presentation was held at the Faulkner Collision Center at 1350 Loop Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601.

“It’s an honor to give back to a veteran who has given so much for his country,” said April Lausch, Collision Center Manager for Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster. “We want to help Matt and his family continue on their path to independence and employment. We’re proud to contribute the time and talents of our team to provide him safe, reliable transportation.”

Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster and State Farm presented a 2017 blue Chevrolet Cruze to deserving U.S. Army veteran Matt, who served 15 years and did two tours to Iraq, January 2003-April 2004 and May 2009-September 2010. He served as an 88M Motor Transport Operator.

“Oh my, I can’t believe this is happening to me,” Matt said of the donation. “I believe if you work hard, good things happen.”

After leaving the service, Matt got married and relocated, which meant he lost his job and his housing. He heard about TLC/Veterans’ Victory House through veteran connections and he worked with his Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) case manager on his goals of increasing income, finding housing and saving for a car. He started off at a temp agency and then got hired fulltime, thus completing one of his goals of increasing income. He found permanent housing with the help of his SSVF case manager’s assistance.

He had been relying on public transportation, rideshares and friends to get to and from work, so with the presentation of this vehicle, all of his goals will be completed.

NABC™ Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC™ Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council™ have donated more than 2,200 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.