Maaco and Meineke team up to donate a car to a veteran
Through the National Auto Body Council (NABC)’s Recycled Rides program, Allstate, Maaco Rock Hill, and Meineke Car Care Charlotte recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Charlotte-area veteran.
Janee Bennett served in the U.S. Navy from 2013-2019, with three deployments. Since leaving the Navy, she experienced homelessness – living under less-than-desirable and unsafe conditions. She eventually went into a shelter. Since then, she’s found full-time employment at a local bank and now has her own apartment. The next step in her life journey? Having reliable transportation so that she can continue her road to independence.
Enter the National Auto Body Council (NABC)’s Recycled Rides program, which teams up with the automotive industry to refurbish and donate cars. Janee was nominated to receive the car by Veterans Bridge Home, a Charlotte nonprofit that helps Veterans navigate employment and final community connections.
“It is a pleasure to help this U.S. Navy veteran who is working hard to move forward on her journey to independence,” said Dale Ross, program manager for the Recycled Rides program.
She received a 2017 Toyota Camry that was donated by Allstate and refurbished by Maaco Rock Hill. The Meineke in Charlotte finalized the inspection process and replaced the bakes.
“I’m really in shock, it just doesn’t seem real,” said Janee. “This makes all the difference in getting to work instead of having to take the bus, as well as to medical appointments. I’m working now at a bank and plan to start school while I’m working. I couldn’t do that if I had to take the bus. My whole family is proud of me for the progress I’ve made and for being presented this car today.”
The presentation was held at Driven Brands headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. “This is an honor to help another veteran by helping paint and refurbish this car,” said Bill Cappel, owner of Maaco Rock Hill, who is a U.S. Army veteran who served during Vietnam. “We’re proud as a team to donate our time to do this, and hope it helps Ms. Bennett continue on her path.”
NABC has donated more than 3,000 cars since 2007.
Matt Cooper, who co-owns Meineke of Charlotte with his brother Castor Cooper, added, “It always means a lot to our family to give back to veterans. Our father was a veteran, and three of our brothers are serving our country. We always want to do what we can to help a veteran in need, and it was great to meet Ms. Bennett, see the smile on her face and appreciation of the team’s efforts in helping with the mechanical maintenance of her new vehicle.”
Because it really does take a village, additional partners in the presentation included Cars for Charity, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and INA Towing.