Pat’s CARSTAR, 3021 MacArthur Way in Plover, donated a reconditioned 2008 Chevrolet HHR station wagon to Natali Aleman, Stevens Point, during a Recycled Rides event held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, December 4. It is the 10th consecutive year the business has donated a vehicle to a local family.
CARSTAR owners Tony and Sharon Kempen as well as former owners Pat and Sandy Arnold were at the donation event along with members of the Aleman family, project partners and local leaders.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” said Sharon Kempen. “Everyone here really looks forward to this every year. The community supports our business and we’re glad we’re able to give back to the community as well.”
State Farm Insurance helped Pat’s CARSTAR obtain this year’s vehicle. Mark Toyota in Plover donated mechanical work; Gandrud Chevrolet in Green Bay donated parts; Dentsmart donated some of the body work; and Pat’s CARSTAR donated labor to the project.
To find a family in need, Pat’s CARSTAR partners with CAP Services, a local nonprofit organization. CAP’s Board of Directors selects a recipient from applications submitted by CAP clients. Natali Aleman, Stevens Point, was chosen to receive the vehicle. Her family, includes seven children and their father Jose.
The family of nine was relying on a 1998 Ford Expedition to get to work, school, medical appointments and other everyday activities. Natali said the vehicle’s age and poor fuel economy were a financial burden on the family. The HHR will provide the family safe and reliable vehicle while also saving hundreds of dollars in fuel expense each year.
The National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program, launched in 2007, is a nationwide awareness program where collision repair members of the NABC repair and donate used vehicles to families in need in their communities.