Farmingville, NY - On May 14, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (second from left) was at Caliber Collision in Rocky Point to celebrate May as Military Appreciation Month. To commemorate the occasion, a local U.S. Army Veteran, Ludmilla Lamothe, was presented with the keys to a newly refurbished 2013 Mazda 6 automobile. GEICO donated the car, which was restored by technicians at Caliber Collision who volunteered their personal time.
The car donation to Ludmilla by Caliber Collision and GEICO is part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program in which collision industry companies collaborate to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Ludmilla was nominated for the Recycled Rides gift by local nonprofit Driving 4 Change and by Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization that supports military service members and veterans. Public Transportation services were too limited to accommodate her travel needs. So, she had been spending $600 each month in ride sharing services for transportation as she lacked a personal vehicle. Ludmilla is thrilled that the vehicle provides her greater economic independence and will allow her to continue her college education in traditional classroom settings rather than being limited to online courses as she had been without her own vehicle. Over the past six years, Caliber Collision and its industry partners have donated nearly 300 vehicles valued at over $4 million.
Councilwoman Bonner said, “The Recycle Rides program is a life-saver for so many families that need reliable transportation just to go about their daily lives. I wish Ludmilla the best of luck with her new car and I thank the people at Caliber Collision for being such good neighbors.”
Photo by David Luces.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595