4.4.22 - Many incredible moments filled the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s NORTHEAST® 2022 Automotive Services Show, but one moment stood out in particular: the one that changed a young woman’s life!
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) chose AASP/NJ's flagship event to make a Recycled Rides presentation to deserving Newton, NJ resident, Patricia Taylor. NABC’s Recycled Rides program has gifted thousands of vehicles to people in need all over the country since the program began in 2007. The gift of a restored 2016 Honda CRV gives Taylor the ability to work and take care of her new baby.
“I’d like to thank the folks at AASP/NJ who are big supporters of the program,” NABC’s Keith Egan told the audience who gathered to watch the unveiling of the vehicle on the NORTHEAST show floor.
“We are happy to be here doing this today,” he added of the opportunity to conduct a presentation at NORTHEAST for the first time.
AASP/NJ member Benner’s Auto Body of Cranford restored the Honda vehicle which was donated by GEICO.
“With everything going on in the world, every day that we wake up with our families, we have to feel blessed,” shared Joseph O’Neill of Benner’s Auto Body. “Waking up knowing we have a roof over our head,a healthy family and a car to get us to and from work is all we can ask for. I want to thank NABC for letting me be a part of something that I truly think is special. It’s life altering to be able to do something like this, and my whole team feels that way. Thanks to everyone who was involved. I am so happy for you, Patricia. You are now part of our family, and we are here for you.”
Taylor also received gift baskets from AASP/NJ and NORTHEAST event manager Thomas Greco Publishing, as well as a $1,000 gift card from Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
On behalf of Taylor, Tina Magarino of Birth Haven, Inc., a Sussex County-based women’s shelter which helps shelter, support and educate young pregnant women, stated,“We are grateful beyond words, and I can’t tell you how life changing this is for Patricia. We are in a rural area where one can’t walk to work, so this is truly amazing. I really can’t thank you guys enough.”
For more information on AASP/NJ, please visit aaspnj.org.
