On May 7, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran received a beautifully refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides program, vehicle donor Allstate and repair partner Shaheen Chevrolet. The presentation was sponsored by NABC member BASF, in conjunction with the BASF Performance Group Mega Meeting at the Westin Hotel in Detroit, MI.
NABC and sponsors presented a 2019 Jeep Cherokee to Chanell Himes-Love, who served from 1999 to 2001. She is living with multiple health challenges, and she is also the primary caregiver for her adult disabled son. They live in a town with no access to public transportation; even the disability connector vans from the local bus service don't service their area. They either have to walk 3.5 miles to the nearest bus stop or pay for costly rideshare services just to get to medical appointments. The lack of transportation puts a huge strain on both of them, physically, emotionally and financially. Having a reliable vehicle will make a world of difference, by allowing them to get to medical appointments safely and comfortably.
"Receiving this vehicle was more than a gift -- it was an answered prayer,” Himes-Love said at the presentation. “This moment reminded me that when hearts and hands come together, lives are changed by grace, and I’ll never forget the love and generosity behind it."
With no family or support system, Himes-Love and her son have been isolated and alone, making every obstacle feel even heavier to carry. Having a vehicle will allow her to work again and reconnect with the world outside her home and rebuild real, in-person connections with other adults, be more active in the community, and attend church in person instead of online.
“Soldiers’ Angels is honored to partner with NABC Recycled Rides to support U.S. Navy Veteran Chanell Himes-Love”, said Elise Larkin, director of special programs for Soldiers’ Angels. “Chanell’s story is one of strength, resilience and unwavering dedication -- not only to her country but to her family. We are proud to witness the life-changing impact this vehicle will have on her and her son. Reliable transportation means access to critical medical care, reconnection with the community, and the restoration of dignity and independence. This partnership truly embodies the spirit of honoring and supporting those who have served.”
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.
BASF, the event sponsor, is a level one partner of NABC. BASF offers intelligent solutions based on innovative products and tailor-made services. The Automotive Refinish business engineers, manufactures and markets coatings for vehicle manufacturers, collision repair and restoration facilities, customizers and commercial transportation. BASF proudly hosted this presentation during its Performance Group Mega Meeting with all of BASF’s premier refinish customer business groups.
“Supporting Chanell and the NABC has been an opportunity to demonstrate the spirit of our BASF Performance Groups -- a deep commitment to excellence in repairs, operational performance and most critically, client service,” said Phil Knapp, consulting solutions manager, BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings. “To be able to contribute in helping Chanell and such a worthy cause is truly humbling. We look forward to the next opportunity to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program.”
Allstate, also a level one partner of the NABC, has donated hundreds of vehicles to people and organizations in need through Recycled Rides.
Shaheen Chevrolet operates the largest full-service collision center in mid-Michigan. With I-CAR Certified technicians, it was the first body shop in the state to “go green” by using only water-based paints.
Soldiers’ Angels, headquartered in San Antonio, TX, provides aid, comfort and resources to the military, veterans and their families.
Additional partners in the presentation included Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, Copart and P.J.'s Towing.
