On May 7, one worthy St. Louis area veteran received a vehicle to provide him with independence and the ability to work and take care of his family, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, along with car donor GEICO and repair partner Schaefer Autobody Centers.
The presentation was held at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport as part of the I-CAR Regional Meeting.
“Schaefer Autobody Centers is truly humbled to repair and donate another vehicle to a service member through the NABC Recycled Rides program. Local heroes, such as Dustin, routinely put their lives on their line and providing reliable transportation is our way of saying thank you,” said Julie Hemann, business development leader, Schaefer Autobody Centers.
The recipient was Dustin Trice, a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 2014 to 2017 and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was nominated by Missouri Veterans Endeavor, and received a 2016 Kia Soul.
Trice's current vehicle is nearly 20 years old and is constantly breaking down. Whether it’s the tires, brakes, alternator or timing belt, his vehicle has left him and his family stranded more than once. Trice works hard to provide for his family of two children, ages 8 and 3, but is currently struggling with getting back and forth to work due to his vehicle being unreliable. Without consistent, reliable transportation, Trice is at risk of losing his employment. This gift will provide that reliability he needs to remain gainfully employed and taking care of his family.
“This is really nice, and I love the car color. I know my kids will really appreciate this car and I appreciate the companies involved in this donation,” said Trice.
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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.
Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides presentation include LKQ, Enterprise, 1-800 Charity Cars, Alloy Wheel Repair, Cool Wraps, Colormatch, Zisser Tire, Yancey Auto Parts, Copart, ServePro, Lou Fusz Automotive Network and SOS Auto Glass and Calibration.
Source: NABC
