NABC® Members Allstate, Shaheen Chevrolet Donate NABC Recycled Rides® Vehicle to Detroit-area U.S. Navy Veteran in Need at BASF Performance Group Mega Meeting in Detroit

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (May 9, 2025) – On Wednesday, May 7, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran received a life-changing gift—the donation of a beautifully refurbished vehicle.  The donation was made possible by 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.

NABC and the sponsors presented a 2019 Jeep Cherokee to Chanell Himes-Love, a disabled U.S. Navy Veteran 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 nearby public transportation, and 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,” Channel 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. Chanell and her son have been isolated and alone, making every obstacle feel even heavier to carry. Having a vehicle will allow Chanell 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 NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at some $51 million.

BASF, the event sponsor, is a level one partner of NABC®. As the world’s leading chemical company, BASF offers intelligent solutions based on innovative products and tailor-made services. The Automotive Refinish business engineers, manufactures and markets the finest coatings available 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 National Auto Body Council®, has donated hundreds of vehicles to people and organizations in need through NABC 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 this NABC® Recycled Rides presentation included Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, Copart, and Enterprise. 

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 3,500 vehicles and provided extrication training opportunities for some 6,000 first responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Community Impact program. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars.

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. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.