Atlanta resident John Quinones had struggled with adversity, even while he tried to make a positive impact in the lives of others. A lack of transportation held him back from the kind of job opportunities he desired.
All of that changed with the gift of a restored vehicle by the NABC Recycled Rides program during the annual vehicle presentation during the 2018 NACE Automechanika Show in Atlanta. Quinones was presented a 2014 Dodge Avenger SE, which will be used to provide him years of reliable transportation. This allows him to pursue a higher paying job, a new residence and a higher standard of living.
The vehicle was donated by Farmers Insurance of Atlanta. The repair work was performed by the Mall of Georgia Ford Collision Center, a Berkshire Hathaway Automotive facility. Partners like FCA donated all of the materials through Troncalli Jeep Chrysler.
Quinones, who was nominated by MUST Ministries, was emotional and excited during the presentation. MUST Ministries is a Georgia-based charity that addresses the basic needs of individuals, families and children with facilities in the Cobb and Cherokee counties and programs in other area counties.
“I can’t believe this day,” he said. “They told me not to get emotional, but I can’t help it. Not only will I be able to get a better job and not have to walk to work, I can drive to visit my mother for her birthday and go see family in North Carolina. It really is a life-changing experience.”
“It is an honor and humbling experience to be a part of each of our NABC Recycled Rides giftings,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the National Auto Body Council. “To help put someone on the road to achieving their career goals and a better life is what this program is all about. We wish John all the success in the future.”
Since the inception of the Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 1,700 vehicles valued at more than $24 million.
