On Thursday, August 27, an Atlanta area mother received a life changing gift — a beautifully refurbished vehicle that will ensure her children will receive the love and care they deserve. The donation was made possible by the NABC Recycled Rides® program, vehicle donor Travelers and repair partner Wren’s Collision Centers.
The presentation took place at the Wren’s Collision Center located in Canton, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. The recipient was nominated by The Children’s Haven. The mission of The Children’s Haven is to promote the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse or neglect. Marcie Smith, Executive Director of The Children’s Haven shared, “Thank you for all for making a dream come true for an amazing mom! Reliable transportation can be life changing for a family. This is what the power of community looks like We can’t stop smiling!”
Katrina Watkins is truly deserving of this gift of reliable transportation due to the numerous challenges and setbacks she has encountered throughout her life. She has struggled to afford a vehicle, which would assist her in commuting to work and transporting her children. Instead, Watkins has relied on rideshares and the support of friends for her transportation needs to and from work, as well as for doctor appointments. Despite these difficulties, she remains committed to being the best mother and role model for her sister, whom she has taken guardianship of following their mother’s passing. Watkins continues to persevere through all her obstacles and consistently finds ways to determine what is best for her family. She is a devoted mother, and her children have always been her top priority, ensuring they have everything they require, even amidst her life’s challenges. This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will allow Watkins to continue working and caring for the ones she loves.
Individuals in the community can support this life-changing program in two ways – donate to the program directly or donate their unwanted or non-running vehicle through the Changing and Saving Lives Keys for Change program. They will receive a tax donation for their contribution, and proceeds will help provide reliable transportation for those in need across the country – and in their community.
Additional partners in this presentation include: Insperity, Kent Automotive, Dent Vanish PDR, Genesis Window Tint, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts of Canton, Elite Auto Glass, The Auto Lounge AutoZone of Canton, Honda of Newnan, RTP Customs, Tag Auto Solutions, PPG, Lil D’s Towing, Green Emblems, ADAS & GO, Enterprise, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity and Copart.
Travelers, a level one member of the NABC®, has donated more than 75 vehicles to people and organizations in need through NABC Recycled Rides®.
Wren’s Collision Centers is a family-owned and operated network of auto body repair shops with 18 locations across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Founded in 1954, all of their branches are certified as I-CAR Gold Class facilities, meaning their technicians undergo continuous, high-level technical training.
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 3,750 vehicles valued at some $67 million.
About the National Auto Body Council®:
The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,750 vehicles valued at more than $67 million and provided extrication opportunities for some 7,000 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™).
The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allows NABC to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work.
The Changing and Saving Lives Foundation Keys for Change program also helps drive funding for key programs. The easy, efficient donation process allows vehicle owners to turn their unwanted vehicles into life-changing support. All vehicle donations fund critical programs that provide support and assistance for families in need, military members, veterans and first responders.
For more information, visit http://www.nationalautobodycouncil.org/ .
