A disabled U.S. Navy veteran experienced a life-changing event when she was presented with a vehicle to regain her independence and continue her career training, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, car donor Allstate, and repair partner Texas Collision Centers.
Demi Sims was presented a fully refurbished 2021 Chevy Blazer during the ShopXpo@WreckWeek industry trade show in Fort Worth, TX. As the child of an Air Force veteran, Sims grew up with a deep respect for the military. She joined the U.S. Navy to serve her country and fund her college education. However, medical challenges cut short her military career, leading to a difficult transition as a disabled veteran.
Sims began pursuing a career in technology through a veteran training program offered by NPower. Although she earned her initial IT certification, her career progress was halted when her vehicle was totaled in September 2023. Without reliable transportation, Sims struggled to continue her job search and career advancement. The vehicle donated through the NABC Recycled Rides program aims to put her back on the path to independence.
“I am extremely grateful,” said Sims. “I appreciate NPower, Agile for Patriots, my friends, family and fellow veterans who have supported me and the community. And of course, the NABC, Allstate and Texas Collision Centers, I’m ready to give back! Go Navy!”
The NABC Recycled Rides program, launched in 2007, brings together businesses from the collision repair industry to refurbish and donate vehicles to those in need of reliable transportation. To date, the program has donated more than 3,300 vehicles valued at approximately $47 million.
“We are so proud to be part of such a phenomenal program that gives back to our community and in particular to veterans who have served our great country,” said Shyllo Michaelis, chief strategy officer with Texas Collision Centers. “Thanks to our amazing team of technicians who donated their time as well as their expertise along with our vendor partners -- Complete Collision Solutions, Wheel Technologies and AutoNation, who helped to make this all possible!”
Additional partners in the presentation included American Towman, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity and Copart.
