“When CARSTAR Collision Specialists approached us about the Recycled Rides project, we were very excited,” said Keri McGregor, Harbor House director. “Providing reliable transportation to a hard-working Mom will impact her life in so many ways. Harbor House is so proud of this family and look forward to hearing all the great things that are still yet to come for them. This car will help them reach their goals and dreams so much faster.”
West has never owned a vehicle of her own, so this is life changing for her. West, a mother of three, is currently working two jobs and needs reliable transportation for work, daily errands and getting her children to and from school.
A.J. Pickering, general manager for CARSTAR Collision Specialists, said body shops frequently see cars that are written-off or totaled by either the owner or the insurance company and sent to salvage yards. “Many times all these vehicles need is some body work, mechanical repairs or TLC to get them road ready and safe to drive,“ Pickering said. “We are grateful that State Farm Insurance generously donated this salvage car for our shop to repair.”
The Impala owned by State Farm was a total loss due to a deer hit. “State Farm strives to be a good neighbor and to strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Kevin Gamble, State Farm community specialist for Kansas. “We are happy to be supporting this Recycled Rides donation to help a Wichita family realize their dreams.”
Pickering said many other businesses and organizations donated to make this gift possible. Businesses that provided donations of parts and services include: Keystone Automotive, LKQ Corporation, CARSTAR technicians, Grizzly’s Glass, Arrow Wrecker, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, BASF, Charity Cars and the National Auto Body Council.
The staff at CARSTAR Collision Specialists West volunteered their time to repair this car. Pickering said this is the fourth time that CARSTAR has partnered with Catholic Charities of Wichita on a Recycled Rides™ project.
The Impala was decorated with a huge purple bow and was given away Thursday, Oct 19. The luncheon was part of the #Purple Thursday ITC, a social media campaign to help raise awareness about domestic violence. The luncheon was held at 11:30 a.m. at Villa Luna in Wichita.
Harbor House is a shelter for abused women and their children. Catholic Charities of Wichita started the shelter in 1992 to help women break the cycle of domestic violence.
“Recycled Rides” is a community service program of the National Auto Body Council.
About CARSTAR Collision Specialists: We are auto body repair shops and part of the CARSTAR network of collison repair shops. There are two independently owned CARSTAR locations in Wichita. These locations have been voted first place winners for auto body repair two years running by the Reader’s Choice Competiton hosted by the Wichita Eagle. The Wichita CARSTAR locations were also awarded the 2013 BBB Integrity Award. CARSTAR is the largest group of branded auto body shops in North America. www.kscarstar.com
About Recycled Rides™: Recycled Rides™ is a unique program in which insurers, collision repairers, paint suppliers, parts vendors and others collaborate to repair and donate vehicles to deserving individuals and service organizations in local communities throughout the country. Close to 2,000 vehicles have been donated through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program since its inception in 2007. NABC estimates nearly $25 million worth of vehicles has been donated through Recycled Rides™. www.nationalautobodycouncil.org/programs/recycled-rides
About NABC: NABC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry. www.nationalautobodycouncil.org
A domestic violence survivor received keys to a four door sedan in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
