In recent weeks, three deserving recipients in Texas and Arizona have received refurbished vehicles thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program and its partners.
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 $51 million.
Laura McFarlane, Houston, TX
On Sept. 17, Laura McFarlane, a U.S. Air Force veteran, received a refurbished 2023 Toyota Tundra to help her care for an ailing mother, from the NABC, vehicle donor USAA and repair partner Gerber Collision & Glass, which also hosted the presentation as part of the opening of its new location in Houston.
McFarlane served a long career from 2002-2017. She shares an apartment with her elderly mother, who is battling cancer, and is her primary caregiver, while also working full-time at a local retailer. She holds degrees in marketing and public relations but has not been able to find any of those higher paying jobs.
McFarlane’s current vehicle has approximately 228,000 miles on it and is beyond repair. The refurbished vehicle from the Recycled Rides program will not only alleviate some of her daily stresses, but also ensure she is able to travel to work and get her mother to her doctor’s appointments.
“Thank you to NABC Recycled Rides for this amazing vehicle that ensures I have reliable transportation for work and commuting my mother to her doctor’s appointments,” said McFarlane. “Thank you to USAA, Gerber Collision and Erik, John, Steve and Caroline from the local charity that nominated me and for thinking of me.”
USAA, a Level One partner of the NABC, has donated more than 150 vehicles to people and organizations through Recycled Rides. Gerber Collision & Glass is also a Level One member of the NABC.
Additional partners in this presentation included Fred Haas Toyota, The Final Touch Pinstriping & Graphics, AutoZone, Dent Sharks, Mobile Auto Solutions, City Wide Glass, Flatbed Towing, West Way Towing, Gold Team Interiors, PPG, Discount Tire, Complete Collisions, Copart, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.
Star Smith, Phoenix, AZ
On Sept. 2, Star Smith, a Phoenix mother of three, received a 2022 Toyota Camry that will enable her to care for her three sons from the NABC, donor Liberty Mutual and repair partner Maaco Tempe.
“These events are always incredibly meaningful to us,” said Jake Brown, president of Freedom Brands. “Watching Star turn the corner for the unveiling of her new car was a powerful moment. Seeing the smiles on our team’s faces, along with the representatives from Liberty Mutual, Family Promise and Toydoc, was a reminder of the lasting impact these gifts create. Knowing that together we’ve changed someone’s life forever is a feeling beyond words.”
For Smith, navigating life as a single parent has come with many sleepless nights and difficult decisions. Without a vehicle, basic tasks like getting her sons to school, attending appointments, or even grocery shopping are monumental. The refurbished vehicle from NABC Recycled Rides does not just represent mobility, it symbolizes freedom, opportunity and a hope for a better tomorrow. It will ease Smith’s daily burdens and be a powerful message to her children that good things come to those who never give up.
Smith was nominated by Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, which helps families facing homelessness by providing secure, stable housing through safe shelter, caring connections and a community of support.
“Thank you so much, you don’t understand how much this means to me and my boys to have something this nice,” said Smith. “I haven’t had a vehicle for a couple of months. I gave my son my car because I have a grandbaby on the way. I’ve never had a car this nice.”
Liberty Mutual has just recently begun participating in NABC Recycled Rides. This was its first vehicle donation through the program.
Maaco Tempe is owned by Freedom Brands LLC, an MSO of five Meineke Car Care franchises and four Maaco locations across Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott. Since opening in 2020, it has experienced tremendous growth and success, which has given the owners the ability to give back to those in need in their community in which they live and work. This is their fourth NABC Recycled Rides gifting and they plan to continue doing several each year.
Additional partners in this presentation included Toydoc, Freedom Foundation, Copart, Enterprise, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.
Mercede Foreman, Scottsdale, AZ
On Aug. 28, Mercede Foreman, a Scottsdale, AZ, mother of five received 2021 Honda Pilot that will enable her to care for her family, from the NABC, vehicle donor Allstate and repair partner Fix Auto Tempe.
“Many times, we take our everyday activities for granted, but there are many people in our community that don’t have a vehicle to access those needs,” said Dennis O’Mahoney, president of Fix Auto USA. “Through National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides and through collaboration with Fix Auto here in Tempe, as well as Allstate, we donate these vehicles to families in need and we have a really great recipient here today.”
Foreman has faced many challenges. Just two years ago, the Foreman family was struggling with homelessness. Foreman has worked extremely hard to get her family out of that cycle. With each of her children having unique needs and participating in a variety of activities, the lack of reliable transportation has often been overwhelming for Foreman. The new vehicle will make life much easier for her and her family, allowing Foreman to simplify routine tasks like school drop-offs and grocery shopping, and allowing Foreman’s children to enjoy enriching experiences like sports and other community events.
The recipient was also nominated by Family Promise of Greater Phoenix.
“I’m really overwhelmed, really excited, and so grateful for this opportunity, it’s going to change my life, and I just thank everybody so much,” said Foreman.
Allstate, a Level One partner of the NABC, has donated many vehicles to people and organizations through Recycled Rides, making it one of the program’s largest car donor partners.
Fix Auto USA is part of the Driven Brands family of automotive brands, and Fix Auto Tempe is an I-CAR Gold Certified repair facility.
Additional partners in this presentation included Opus IVS, LKQ, AutoNation Honda in Chandler, Highline Car Care, Smart Calibrations, Glass Now, Akso, Copart, Enterprise, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.
