Presentation of the NABC Recycled Ride® Took Place April 22 at Gerber Collision & Glass in Tampa, FL
MEDIA NOTE: Photos and video from the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation are available HERE
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (April 23, 2026) – On Wednesday, April 22, a Tampa, FL veteran received a life changing gift — a beautifully refurbished vehicle to allow him to get to his medical appointments and be more connected to his local VA. The donation was made possible by the NABC Recycled Rides® program, vehicle donor Travelers and repair partner Gerber Collision & Glass.
The presentation took place at Gerber Collision & Glass Citrus Park in Tampa. The recipient was nominated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair. The VA offers benefits that can help veterans buy, retain, or modify a home; earn a degree; start a career; stay healthy; and do much more in life after the military.
“This means the world to me, it’s a game changer,” said recipient John Hubert. “I can go and come as I please. I can get to my VA appointments, my doctors’ appointments, but most of all this vehicle is going to help other people too. I’m going to help others make their appointments because they’re a lot of people out there that don’t have the proper resources.”
A 2022 Honda Accord, donated by Travelers and refurbished by the technicians at Gerber Collision & Glass Citrus Park, was presented to John Hubert. Heserved honorably in the United States Navy from 1967-1969 and has spent his life working hard and contributing to his community, even in the face of significant hardship. Following his military service, Hubert worked in the construction industry for many years. Like many Americans, he was severely impacted by the 2008 financial crisis, losing both his home and life savings. He experienced homelessness but, with the help of Veterans Affairs homeless services, was able to regain housing and stability. He then found employment in retail, which he maintained until medical issues forced him to retire. Hubert now lives on disability but is committed to maintaining his independence and well-being. He also gives back by volunteering with fellow formerly homeless veterans. Unfortunately, his current living situation is not on a public transportation route. He has multiple medical appointments each week, and without a reliable vehicle, attending them consistently is a challenge. He also struggles to get groceries and basic supplies. Most significantly, the lack of transportation has led to social isolation, limiting his ability to stay connected with friends and his support network. This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will allow Hubert to make it to all his appointments and be more connected to his local VA.
Travelers, a level one member of the NABC®, has donated more than 75 vehicles to people and organizations in need through NABC Recycled Rides®.
Gerber Collision & Glass, a Level One member of the NABC®, was founded in 1937 as a single glass and trim shop and has grown to be one of the largest auto collision and glass repair companies in North America. Gerber Collision & Glass locations are all I-CAR Gold Certified repair facilities.
Additional partners in this presentation include: The Brisket Shoppe, PPG, Chris’ Mobile Auto Glass, Glen’s Wheel Polishing, AutoZone, Lakeland Auto Mall, Mobile Auto Solution, Enterprise, Copart, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.
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.