A U.S. Navy veteran and single father of three received a much-needed vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program, thanks to the combined efforts of Caliber Collision, GEICO and other industry partners.
Brian Becerra, a Plattsmouth, NE, resident, was presented with the keys to a fully refurbished 2020 Hyundai Elantra on Jan. 21. The vehicle was donated by GEICO and restored by technicians at Caliber Collision’s 118th Street location in Omaha, NE, who volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the car was road-ready.
Becerra, who is disabled with service-connected injuries, has faced significant transportation challenges while juggling work, medical appointments and the school schedules of his three sons, ages 9, 13 and 17. When his eldest son was seriously injured in an accident, Becerra relied on costly rideshare services to travel back and forth to the hospital. With ongoing medical follow-ups required for his son’s recovery and frequent visits to the Veterans Affairs hospital for his own care, access to a personal vehicle will provide a newfound sense of independence and relief.
“This vehicle is truly a blessing for my family,” Becerra said. “Having reliable transportation means we can focus on spending time together without the constant worry of how we’ll get from place to place.”
Becerra was nominated for the vehicle donation by Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting service members and veterans.
The NABC Recycled Rides program brings together businesses across the collision repair industry to refurbish and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need. Since its inception in 2007, the program has provided more than 3,500 vehicles, collectively valued at approximately $51 million, to deserving recipients.
Over the past 12 years, Caliber Collision and its industry partners have contributed nearly 600 vehicles to military service members, veterans and others in need.
Additional organizations supporting this donation included Cars for Charity, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Enterprise.
