A program that refurbishes old vehicles to give to needy families gets set to reach out to even more families. This year instead of giving away one car, Jody Gatchell with A & J Collision, is working to provide eight families across the state with a new set of wheels.
Jody Gatchell has always had a knack for making damaged cars look like new. So years ago, he started a collision repair shop in Conway. But for Gatchell it's not just about making money. He uses his talent to change lives.
"I'd just like to thank everyone for helping me this has really been a hard," says
Mary Bradley, a Pulaski Tech student who received a car in 2008. "I thank you so much. It's so wonderful, yes ma'am. Thank you," says Phyllis Woods who received a car in 2009. "You're going to be blessed."
Phyllis Woods and Mary Bradley are past recipients in the Recycled Rides Program. Gatchell takes donated cars and refurbishes them to give away free to those in need. For him, the "thank yous" are payment enough.
"She sent me a card about a month later saying, 'Hey, I really greatly appreciate what you've done for me. I was able to take my daughter to the emergency room in the middle of the night. I didn't have to worry about getting public transportation,'" says Gatchell.
The Recycled Rides Program is going to a whole new level. This year Gatchell wants to impact even more lives. So in conjunction with other body shops across the state, they plan to give away eight cars.
So far Gatchell has three cars, all donated by an insurance company. He hopes to get a least five more. Here's your chance to get involved. All you have to do is donate the car and he'll do all the work.
"As long as we help each other, it makes the world a better place," says Gatchell.
The recipients in the Recycled Rides Program are nominated through local charities. The local give-away usually coincides with the
national Recycled Rides give-away program in November of each year. Those interested can contact A&J Collision at 1-501-327-1882.
