Local Auto Shop To Present Cars To Veterans

On Thursday, Dec 6 at 12:30 p.m., the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America Post 9215 will be donating automobiles to two deserving veterans in need.

"One of them is a handicapped veteran, and will be receiving a van with a wheelchair lift, and the other receipent is a local veteran from Monsey," said Guy Gebbia of VFW Post 9215, Former Commander and Quartermaster. "It was scheduled for prior to Veteran's Day but was rescheduled due to the effects of hurricane Sandy. It is still a wonderful event to honor and show our appreciation to these two veterans and other veterans who served our country."

Zubair Mahaiudin, as well as Roman Johnson, are the recipients of this years gifting of two automobiles by Nanuet Collision Centers, Allstate Insurance, Charity Cars, and the VFW Post 9215. Both served their country in the United States Army.

Mahaiudin is a handicapped veteran who served in Afghanistan.

“Having a good working vehicle with a wheelchair lift will help me and my family toward a more normal life,” he said.

Johnson is from Monsey and has numerous family obligations. Having a vehicle will provide a sense of relief that reliable transportation will not be an obstacle.

Last year, The Upper Nyack VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) selected Thomas Kelly as the veteran to receive the repaired vehicle this year. Kelly is a a partially-disabled Vietnam veteran. Nanuet Collision presented the repaired vehicle to Kelly in a gifting ceremony. 

Recycled Rides is a “Green” gifting program that donates a repaired vehicle to a disabled veteran and this is the third year that Nanuet Collision Centers participated.

Recycled Rides is managed by the NABC (National Autobody Council), a non-for-profit organization that works to improve the image of the automotive repair industry. The NABC is composed of insurance companies, vendors, and body shops—each of which take part in Recycled Rides. Insurance companies donate the damaged vehicles that body shops repair, with vendors such as STS Tires donating auto parts.

While Nanuet Collision appreciates any contributions. Money for gas cards or car insurance is most important, with whatever that is left over going to the vehicle’s recipient. They also accept auto parts that they’ll need to repair their next Recycled Rides vehicle.

“This is a key initiative for auto body shops that we feel is important to our community and veterans," said Kevin Muir President of Nanuet Collision Centers. “Our whole staff is involved, our Team hasbeen great and is excited to be part of another gifting ceremony.”

“Together we bring much needed vehicles to two veterans and their families," said Gebbia. “The autos will improve the quality of their lives significantly."

"Our participation in the Recycled Rides program is anextension of Allstate's commitment to local communities," said Allstate’s spokesperson Jaclyn Darrohn. "It is an honor for us to be able to providereliable transportation to a local veteran family that needs to get to a job, doctor's appointment or otherplaces they couldn't go without a reliable vehicle.”

The recipient of 2010’s vehicle was a partially disabled Marine, Daniyel Baron.