Farmers Insurance® and Classic Collision™ celebrated Valentine’s Day by donating newly refurbished vehicles to the nonprofit Family Promise of Montgomery County Texas (FPMCT) and a deserving family in need during a special ceremony Feb. 14 in Houston.
Farmers worked with technicians at Classic Collision, who donated their time and skills to restore a 2016 Ford Explorer and 2014 Chevy Sonic for the deserving recipients as part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
Local parents Harry Wiltz and Tracey Washington were family guests enrolled in Fort Bend Family Promise, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to meet the immediate needs of homeless families while empowering them to attain self-sufficiency. Job loss and a vehicle breakdown caused the family to experience housing instability. Through FBFP, the Wiltz/Washingtons have gained employment and transitioned to secure housing close to work and their son’s school. Receiving the 2014 Chevy Sonic is another important step in the family’s journey to achieve long-term independence.
“Since launching our organization on Feb. 14, 2005, Valentine’s Day has always held special meaning for all of us at Fort Bend Family Promise. Today’s gifting is a fitting way to commemorate 18 years of service in Texas,” said Vera Johnson, executive director for Fort Bend Family Promise. “Thanks to the generous support of organizations like Farmers, Classic Collision and the National Auto Body Council, we look forward to carrying on our mission to help families like the Wiltz/Washingtons.”
“Our goal is to give back to the communities where we live and work and help those in need obtain the reliable transportation that will help them continue on their path to independence,” said Don Porter, CEO of the United Recyclers Group and a member of the NABC Board of Directors. “It’s an honor to come together with our members Farmers Insurance and Classic Collision to help Wiltz/Washington family on their journey. We wish them all the best in the future.”
Family Promise of Montgomery County Texas is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve homeless families with children by providing shelter, meals, transportation and compassionate assistance leading to independence and received a 2016 Ford Explorer to help the organization continue its important work.
“Family Promise of Montgomery County is very grateful to be the recipient of this generous gift of transportation," said Marilyn Kasmiersky, executive director for Family Promise of Montgomery County. "Without a vehicle or dependable transportation, it creates a hardship for families to get to and from work and basic living travel. Our goal is to remove barriers and transition our families with children into long term stability and create generational change. The donation of this vehicle will be utilized to assist families getting to and from work, childcare, school and medical appointments. Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to receive this lovely donation. A big thank you to all who made this a reality.”
“Classic Collision has been a proud member of the Houston community for many years, and it’s always rewarding for us when we can leverage our expertise to make a positive impact,” said Drew Johnston, area vice president for Classic Collision. “At our core, we strive to provide quality service to help customers get back on the road. We know how important dependable transportation can be and are happy to help give that gift to Family Promise of Montgomery County and a deserving family.”
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 NABC have donated more than 3,000 vehicles valued at some $42 million.
Source: NABC
Abby Andrews