On June 8, a deserving Scottsdale, AZ, resident was presented with a vehicle to 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 GEICO and Painter’s Collision Centers.
The recipient of the 2020 Kia Soul, Angelica Wells, was chosen by the Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. She became a mother when her sister passed away and she adopted her two children, ages 7 and 8. Then, she relied on her mother to care for the children while she worked. Sadly, her mother passed away three years ago.
Wells moved to Arizona for the support she felt she would find. After several months she found she didn't have the help she needed with childcare. She lost her job and consequently housing. Family Promise welcomed them into their shelter, and the family successfully completed the program.
Family Promise reported they have been impressed with Wells' perseverance under some very challenging circumstances. Because her car was repossessed after losing her job, she was paying high car rental costs to transport her children to school and herself to work. A reliable vehicle will help her maintain the stability and security that she has worked so hard to create. Having this vehicle will mean she and her family will be relieved of an unsustainable financial burden and will allow them the opportunity to save for a more promising future.
“The team at Painter’s Collision Centers is committed to our community and the partners we work with,” said Jim Huard, owner, Painter’s Collision Centers. “We believe in giving back, and when approached by GEICO and asked if we would be willing to volunteer our time, and vendor partnerships to get this vehicle back on the road we jumped on the opportunity. We were thrilled with the recipient chosen by the NABC. She is very deserving and it was a true pleasure to gift this vehicle to her and her family. The family was so pleased with the 2020 Kia Soul."
"The hardship of not having a vehicle in our climate, in such a large city is almost impossible," said Doni Miller, director of graduate programs, Family Promise of Greater Phoenix.
“Just want to say thank you all again,” said Wells. ”We are so grateful for all that you have done for us. We really appreciate it.”
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.
GEICO donates vehicles to the NABC Recycled Rides program, designed to help individuals, families or organizations in need with the gift of transportation. In 2022, GEICO donated more than 200 vehicles to the program.
Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides presentation include 1-800 Charity Cars, Enterprise, Dent Wizard Smart Repairs, The Wheel King, East Valley Auto Glass, Elitek Vehicle Services and Big O Tires.
Source: NABC
Abby Andrews