Allstate/Sterling AutoBody Donate 30 Vehicles

Here's the press release:

On November 22, Allstate Insurance and Sterling Autobody hope to brighten the holidays for families and charities across the country with the donation of 30 newly refurbished automobiles. The vehicles, which will either be used by the receiving organization or given to an individual or family in need, will be provided in partnership with the National Auto Body Council's (NABC) Recycled Rides Program.

"Our participation in the Recycled Rides Program is an extension of Allstate's commitment to our local communities. These cars represent more than a way to get around, but a way to empower families and charities to accomplish simple tasks impossible without reliable transportation," said Bill Daly, Allstate assistant vice president for auto claims.

Each vehicle was painstakingly refurbished by technicians at Sterling Autobody Centers, who spent significant time and effort to transform each car inside and out.

"Sterling is extremely proud to be part of the Recycled Rides program," said Bob Benjamin, Sterling Autobody Centers vice president of operations. "We believe it's important to give back to our local communities and Recycled Rides allows employees to use their time and talents to make a significant difference in the lives of many."

The Recycled Rides program got its start five years ago following Hurricane Katrina. The collision repair industry as a whole responded to the needs of the many displaced individuals by offering employment, tools, equipment and in some cases, housing. The collision repair industry has since collaborated on a program to provide refurbished vehicles to people and organizations in need. Although the concept was initiated to help victims of Katrina, it has continued as a national program.  

Last year NABC members came together to give away approximately 80 vehicles just before the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, the organization hopes to nearly double that, with a goal of gifting 150 vehicles to families and non profit organizations.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

Sterling Autobody was founded in 1997 with a mission to redefine the collision repair experience. With a commitment to providing safe, high-quality repairs, while returning the car to the customer as quickly as possible, we developed a unique repair process and began building our own state-of-the art facilities. In 2001, Allstate Non-Insurance Holdings purchased Sterling Autobody Centers to offer consumers the option of a superior automotive claims experience with guaranteed high-quality repairs. Sterling Autobody Centers now operates 63 vehicle repair facilities in 16 states, with a Store Support Center in Natick, Massachusetts.