Presentation of the NABC Recycled Ride® Took Place May 11 as Part of Toyota and Lexus Collision Conference & Expo in Phoenix
MEDIA NOTE: Photos from the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation are available HERE
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (May 13, 2026) – On Monday, May 11, a U.S. Army veteran received a life-changing gift—the donation of a beautifully refurbished vehicle as he takes the next step toward long-term stability and independence. The donation was made possible by the NABC Recycled Rides® program, vehicle donor Allstate and repair partner Camelback Toyota Collision Center, a member of the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive network. The unveiling and presentation of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma to veteran Matthew Severin took place on Monday, May 11 at the Toyota and Lexus Collision Conference in Phoenix. Severin had a sneak peek of his vehicle on Friday, May 8 at Camelback Toyota.
Severin was nominated by U.S. VETS. U.S. VETS is the leading nonprofit dedicated to the work of helping veterans and their families transition from homelessness through tailored support to help them gain independence.
“I think this is too much to take in and it’s just great,” said recipient Severin. “I can’t wait to give my dog a ride. She’s going to love it.”
A 2018 Toyota Tacoma, donated by Allstate and refurbished by the technicians at Camelback Toyota, was presented to Matthew Severin. Heserved in combat in the United States Army from 2003- 2007 and was honorably discharged after receiving numerous medals. Severin lost friends in combat and struggled with survivor’s guilt, PTSD, and addiction. Like many veterans facing these challenges, he experienced homelessness and instability, unsure of what the future might hold. Through determination and support, he entered the U.S. VETS program, where he fully committed to rebuilding his life. He attended classes, engaged in therapy, and began the difficult but courageous work towards recovery. Today, Severin is proudly six years sober. What makes his story especially powerful is not just what he has overcome, but how he now shows up for others. He consistently gives back to fellow veterans by serving as a peer role model, volunteering at U.S. VETS, assisting with maintenance projects, and participating in groups. He shares his lived experience to encourage those who are struggling, offering hope through his own journey. Known for his kindness and compassion, Severin has transformed his hardships into a source of strength for others. His dog, Pizza, has also been a steady companion and source of emotional support throughout his recovery.
Severin is now taking the next step toward long-term stability and independence. In April, he began motorcycle repair school in Avondale as part of his career path. While the program is only a 30-minute drive from his home, commuting by bus would take nearly two hours each way. Additionally, traveling to U.S. VETS for therapy, volunteer work, and continued support requires another 30-minute bus ride each direction. Reliable transportation would significantly reduce these barriers and support his continued growth. This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will directly support his ability to attend motorcycle repair school, continue therapy appointments, maintain stability, and increase his long-term earning potential.
Allstate, a Level One partner of the National Auto Body Council®, has donated more than 300 vehicles to people and organizations through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the largest car donor partners of NABC Recycled Rides®.
Camelback Toyota and Camelback Toyota Collision Center are located in Phoenix, proudly serving drivers across Maricopa County and the greater Valley. Since 1988, they’ve built their reputation by doing the fundamentals the right way; professional people, clear communication, and a process designed to respect your time. Camelback Toyota is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive network.
Additional partners in this presentation include: PPG, RunBuggy, East Valley Auto Glass, Copart, Advanced Remarketing Services, and Cars for Charity.
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.