U.S. Army veteran Samara Joseph received a fully refurbished 2021 Kia Forte, a gift that has transformed her daily life and independence, presented by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program in collaboration with GEICO and Caliber Collision.
Joseph, who is currently pursuing her associate degree, has been facing challenges due to a medical condition that limits her mobility. Prior to the June 26 donation in Waxhaw, NC, she relied on expensive rideshares and car rentals for her transportation needs.
“I went around to every table to thank people for this gift,” Joseph said after the presentation. “Now I can do more, finish my business degree in October and go into a Veterans Administration work program without stress and worries.”
But first, she was off in her newly donated car to Killeen, TX, to visit her grandchildren, something she previously would have had to rent a car for.
The NABC Recycled Rides program brings together businesses from various sectors of the collision repair industry to refurbish and donate vehicles to those in need. Since its inception in 2007, the program has donated more than 3,300 vehicles valued at approximately $47 million.
“Caliber is honored to restore another deserving recipient back to the rhythm of life!” said Graham Whitlock, regional manager and brand ambassador for Caliber Collision Centers.
Additional partners in this initiative included Union County Kia, Protech, RG Glass, Precision Auto Care and Enterprise.
