On Dec. 13, eight Santa Rosa, CA-area individuals and families were presented with vehicles to provide them independence and an improved quality of life, thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program, along with vehicle donor GEICO and repair partner G&C Auto Body.
“We are so honored to do this and give back to our community,” said Shawn Crozat, CEO of G&C Auto Body. “This foundation and legacy of giving was started by our father, and we are committed to continue giving back to those in need. Today, we are proud to present these vehicles to these very deserving families and individuals and help them continue their path to independence. Thank you to our team members who refurbished these vehicles, GEICO which donated them and our partners who made it possible.”
GEICO, which donated eight vehicles, is the largest donor of vehicles to the NABC Recycled Rides program. G&C Auto Body, a locally-owned collision repair network in Northern California with 45 locations, handled all of the repairs.
The eight deserving individuals and families who received vehicles were nominated by the Crozat Family Foundation. G&C Auto Body also presented the recipients with six months of insurance, gas cards and gift cards. In addition, Enterprise presented them with gift certificates to cover the holiday celebration. Additional partners included PPG, LKQ, NAP and Sherwin Williams.
The recipients included:
Jenny is a 29-year-old single mother of two who works hard to provide a safe and stable environment for her family. Jenny works as a dog groomer, but a challenging past relationship cost her transportation, and she was forced to rely on Uber to take her children to and from school, and to get to doctor appointments and work. She is gaining freedom and continuing to build a life for her and her children. The gift of a 2021 Kia Sportage will help her continue this journey.
Dana, a 41-year-old single mother of four, received a 2017 Kia Sorento. Her 2006 Honda Pilot was on its last leg. Without reliable transportation, Dana not only worried about not being able to get her kids to three different schools and any other extracurricular activities, but also feared how it may impact her work, which she loves very much. Dana travels around the county working with children on the spectrum. Her primary focus is making sure her children’s routine is good and everything is balanced for them, and this vehicle will help her continue to do that.
Vickie is a 71-year-old grandmother, raising her 6-year-old granddaughter, Veda. Vickie has been Veda’s guardian since birth. Unfortunately, Vickie’s vehicle is on its last leg. With her fixed income, Vickie cannot afford the repairs or to purchase a new vehicle. Vickie limits her travel to necessary doctor appointments for Veda due to how unsafe she feels driving her car. The gift of a 2018 Mazda 3 will allow for Vickie to get Veda to her necessary appointments as well as dramatically improve their quality of life.
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 program in 2007, members of the NABC have donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at some $50 million.
