Biloxi veteran, single mother gifted car in Gulfport. ‘Miracles do happen’
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- Air Force veteran Alicia Robinson received a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox in Gulfport.
- NABC's Recycled Rides program partners with organizations to aid families in need.
- Unique Collision and State Farm restored and provided the vehicle at no cost.
Alicia Robinson, a U.S. Air Force veteran and single mother, received a free 2015 Chevrolet Equinox on Wednesday morning as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program.
To support Robinson as she earns her nursing assistant degree while working daily at a retail store, the NABC Recycled Rides program partnered with the Unique Collision Center of Gulfport and State Farm to arrange the gift.
Robinson was nominated for the program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in recognition of her six years of service in the Air Force and her continued support of her daughter.
“This is a good feeling, because it’s really hard when you don’t have a car,” Robinson said.
Recycled Rides
NABC’s Recycled Rides program began in 2007 and has donated over 3,500 vehicles to veterans, military families, single mothers and others in need of transportation. The program partners with local organizations and non-profits across the nation to support their mission.
“It’s important to all of us and our members because of everything that our military members and their families do,” NABC Recycled Rides Program Director Dale Ross said. “When someone joins the military, it’s not just them joining, but their family becomes a part of it, and they sacrifice a lot. It’s just a small thing that we can do to give people that have run into tough life situations.”
State Farm donated the vehicle to a charity associated with the NABC’s Recycled Rides program. Technicians at the Unique Collision Center of Gulfport fully refurbished the car, ensuring its reliability for Robinson.
“Everybody faces a struggle, and it’s always good to get help when you need it,” Unique Collision Center Owner Elmer Pique III said. “I’m very happy to be able to help a deserving person that has gone above and beyond, and put her life on the line for us.”
Robinson said she looks forward to using the car to go to doctor’s appointments, university classes and to bring her daughter to the dentist and to school.
“There is help out there for vets like us,” Robinson said. “I suffer from major depression, and there’s all kinds of help for us. Miracles do happen.”
