Generous Collaboration Between Allstate, CARSTAR and NABC Recycled Rides® Changing a Twin Cities Veteran’s Life Took Place September17 at CARSTAR Precision Collision in Cold Spring, MN
MEDIA NOTE: Photos and video from the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation are available HERE
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (September 22, 2026) – On Thursday, September 17, a Twin Cities area veteran received the ultimate gift — the donation of a beautifully refurbished vehicle that will allow her to gain more independence and aid in her search for affordable housing. The donation was made possible by the NABC Recycled Rides® program, car partner Allstate, and repair partner CARSTAR, part of the Driven Brands family of automotive brands.
The presentation was made at CARSTAR Precision Collision in Cold Spring, MN. The recipient was nominated by the Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center (VREC). The VREC is a veteran- and women-owned non-profit organization that serves as a dedicated support hub designed to bridge the gap for veterans and their families by offering direct advocacy, transition management, and community connection.
A 2022 Kia Sportage, donated by Allstate and refurbished by the technicians at CARSTAR Precision Collision of Cold Spring, MN, was presented to Tammy Wahl.
“When we decided to do this, we knew we wanted the vehicle to go to a veteran — someone who had given their time in service to our country and helped protect the freedoms and way of life that we are fortunate to enjoy every day,” said Candice Eikmeier, General Manager of CARSTAR Precision Collision. “After meeting Tammy [Wahl], we knew she was exactly what we hoped for.”
Tammy Wahl is a hard-working veteran and mother who deserves to be recognized. She faithfully served our nation and continues to demonstrate resilience, determination, and commitment to her community by volunteering at the Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center’s photography program. Wahl has faced challenges transitioning to civilian life and reliable transportation is essential for her to keep employment, medical appointments and provide for her family. A dependable vehicle will provide her with greater independence and stability. It will reduce barriers that affect her quality of life, and it will help her obtain affordable housing. This NABC Recycled Rides® vehicle will be an investment in a veteran who has already invested in our country through her service and sacrifice and ensures she has the tools needed to thrive, remain connected to her community and continue building a successful future for her and her family.
“At VREC, we wanted Tammy to know without question that we see her as a veteran,” said Kerri Schwagel of VREC. “We honor the time she served, the sacrifices she made, and the strength it has taken to continue moving forward. She served our nation, and today this community had the opportunity to serve her.”
Those in the community can support this life-changing program in two ways – donate to the program directly or donate their unwanted or non-running vehicle through the Changing and Saving Lives Keys for Change program. They will receive a tax donation for their contribution, and proceeds will help provide reliable transportation for those in need across the country – and in their community.
Additional partners in this presentation include: LKQ, Kia of St. Cloud, Pam’s Auto, Schwieters Chevrolet, North Central Distributing, Copart, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.
Allstate, a Level One partner of the National Auto Body Council®, has donated nearly 400 vehicles to people and organizations through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the largest vehicle donor partners of NABC Recycled Rides®.
CARSTAR, part of the Driven Brands family of automotive brands, is an I-CAR Gold Certified network. CARSTAR is North America’s largest Multi-Operator Network of independently owned 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 3,850 vehicles valued at some $69 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 3,850 vehicles valued at nearly $69 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.