U.S. Navy Veteran Receives Life-Changing Vehicle Donation Through NABC Recycled Rides® at I-Car 2025 Leading Forward National Conference

Donation was made possible by the generosity of I-CAR, Travelers, Caliber Collision and the NABC Recycled Rides® Program.

MEDIA NOTE: Photos from the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation are available HERE.

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL  (March 4, 2025) – On Friday, February 28, a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle to give her the ability to get to and from work, take care of her four children and be active in her community – thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donor Travelers and collision repair partner Caliber Collision. The presentation took place during the I-CAR 2025 Leading Forward National Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown.

NABC®, Travelers, Caliber and I-CAR presented a beautifully refurbished 2021 Chevy Trailblazer to Clydesley Shepherd, a U.S. Navy veteran and single mother with four children.

Shephard, a Houston-area resident relying on costly rideshare services for work, medical appointments, shopping, and her children’s activities, now has reliable transportation that will provide newfound stability for her family. With this vehicle, she looks forward to spending more time with her kids, reengaging with her community, and becoming more active in her church.

“This vehicle is truly life-changing for my family,” said Shephard. “Not having reliable transportation has made everyday tasks difficult and expensive. Now, I can get to work, take my children where they need to go and have the independence and security I’ve been missing. I am beyond grateful to Travelers, Caliber Collision, the National Auto Body Council, and everyone who made this possible.”

The presentation ceremony featured remarks from representatives of the partnering organizations, including Doug Schlueter from NABC Recycled Rides®, John Van Alstyne, CEO & President of I-CAR, Nick Pierrel, Director of National Auto Field Training from Travelers, and Robert Medina, Regional Vice President from Caliber Collision.

“NABC Recycled Rides® is a powerful example of the collision repair industry’s commitment to giving back,” said Schlueter. “Through this program, we bring insurers, repairers, and suppliers together to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Reliable transportation is more than just a vehicle—it’s the ability to move forward, to access opportunities, and to regain independence. We are honored to present this vehicle to Clydesley and her family today.”

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.

Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation included LKQ, Classic Chevrolet Sugarland, Caliber Auto Care, Tire and Wheel Connection, E&R Quick Service Mobil Detail, Little Famous Pinstriping, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, and Copart.

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 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.

ABOUT I-CAR

Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR, which is accredited by IACET (The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training) is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of both the industry and the consumer. For more information, please visit www.i-car.com.