Presentation of the NABC Recycled Ride® Took Place May 24 at Caliber Collision in McKinney, TX
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (May 27, 2026) – On Sunday, May 24, the day before Memorial Day, a United States Army veteran received an honor — a beautifully refurbished vehicle to assist his family with day-to-day activities and his medical needs. The donation was made possible by the NABC Recycled Rides® program, vehicle donor GEICO and repair partner Caliber Collision.
The presentation took place at the Caliber Collision located in McKinney, TX. The recipient was nominated by Smiles Charity. Smiles Charity utilizes a unique fundraising concept of bringing the community together for a concert to provide mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans. Generous local and corporate businesses sponsor the annual concert event held over Memorial Day weekend in McKinney, TX. 100% of the net profits from the annual event are then donated to pay off mortgages for wounded veterans.
A 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LT, donated by GEICO and refurbished by the technicians at Caliber Collision, was presented to United States Army veteran Entoinne Johnson. Johnson enlisted in the Army in November 2006, beginning his career as an Automated Logistics Specialist, advancing to the rank of Sergeant. In October 2010, Johnson deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. During his deployment, he sustained multiple injuries including concussions, a knee injury and a torn rotator cuff, due to repeated mortar attacks. After being stationed in Germany following his deployment, a Medical Review Board determined Johnson was no longer fit for duty due his injuries and he was honorably discharged. This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will allow Johnson to continue caring for his wife, Alison, and 12-year-old daughter, Juliana, as well as his own medical needs.
GEICO, a Level One partner of the National Auto Body Council®, has donated more than 1,000 vehicles to people and organizations through NABC Recycled Rides®, making it the largest car donor partner of NABC Recycled Rides®.
Caliber Collision, also a Level One partner, has donated more than 600 vehicles to military service members, veterans and other individuals in need of reliable transportation over the last 12 years. All Caliber locations are I-CAR Gold Certified repair facilities.
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 NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 3,750 vehicles valued at some $67 million.
About the National Auto Body Council®:
The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,750 vehicles valued at more than $67 million and provided extrication opportunities for some 7,000 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™).
The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allows NABC to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work.
The Changing and Saving Lives Foundation Keys for Change program also helps drive funding for key programs. The easy, efficient donation process allows vehicle owners to turn their unwanted vehicles into life-changing support. All vehicle donations fund critical programs that provide support and assistance for families in need, military members, veterans and first responders.
For more information, visit http://www.nationalautobodycouncil.org.