Richard Childress Racing Hosts National Auto Body Council's Life-Changing Gift for Army Veteran

What started as an ordinary Veterans Coffee event at Richard Childress Racing's race shop in Welcome, North Carolina, on October 8, turned into a life-changing moment for one Army veteran. Thanks to the National Auto Body Council's "Recycled Rides" program, United States Army veteran Tiwanna Kaiser was presented with a fully refurbished 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, a vital step forward in her journey to rebuild her life and support her family.

Kaiser, a Charlotte, NC resident, served her country from 1989 to 1997. In recent years, she faced a heartbreaking series of setbacks, including a battle with COVID-19, the tragic loss of her daughter, and a period of homelessness that left her family scattered between shelters and a vehicle. Despite overwhelming challenges, she persevered and earned a college degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2023. Now living with a disability and working from home, reliable transportation has remained a barrier for Kaiser. Not any longer.

“I was really surprised, I really was not expecting all of this, and I’m just grateful,” said Kaiser, overcome with emotion during the presentation. “I think this is awesome, and I’m just happy to see that people care about us. When you join the military, they make you think once you come home, everybody will be so happy for you, there will be jobs waiting for you, and it just wasn’t happening like that. We just never felt like anybody cared.”

The car was donated by Allstate, a long-time Level One partner of the NABC, and was refurbished by Maaco of Greensboro, one of many Maaco locations owned by Phil Collins. The handoff was made extra special with the addition of a $500 gas gift card from Richard Childress Racing, underscoring their ongoing support of veterans. The event also brought attention to Veterans Bridge Home, the organization that nominated Kaiser for the program, and to the continued generosity of program supporters, including Sherwin Williams, Tire Discounters, Copart, Enterprise, and others.

"Our goals at Maaco are to help those around us and those we have the opportunity to meet and impact in the most positive way," Collins said.

Since its founding in 2007, the NABC Recycled Rides program has provided more than 3,500 donated vehicles, worth over $51 million, to individuals and families in need, particularly veterans, first responders, and those overcoming hardship. This latest donation, made at one of NASCAR's most patriotic race teams, was a fitting tribute to the resilience of one woman and the community that came together to support her.

"Truly, Tiwanna is a deserving individual," added Jim Glenn, Director of Claims for Allstate. "On behalf of all the local Allstate Good Hands people, we are glad to have donated this vehicle to help as she moves ahead."

For Kaiser, the Chevrolet Malibu represents far more than a set of keys. It's a renewed sense of freedom, dignity, and hope for the road ahead.

Photo: National Auto Body Council