On Tuesday, May 6, Christopher Harstad, a man who has overcome homelessness, will receive a life-changing gift—a fully refurbished 2020 Mazda CX-30. The vehicle donation is part of the NABC Recycled Rides® program, made possible through a partnership with Allstate, which provided the car, and Washburn Institute of Technology, where students and faculty from the Collision Repair Program restored it.

Harstad, nominated by the United Way of Kaw Valley, has made tremendous progress. After living in a tent with his young son, he overcame addiction, secured temporary housing at a rescue mission, took career readiness classes, volunteered, and earned a full-time job at a nonprofit. His next step toward stability is reliable transportation—for commuting, searching for permanent housing, and caring for his son.

Allstate, a longtime partner of the National Auto Body Council®, has donated hundreds of vehicles through this program. Washburn Tech, one of the region’s top collision repair schools, has restored over 35 vehicles, providing students with hands-on experience and job training opportunities.

Since its launch in 2007, NABC Recycled Rides® has donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at over $51 million to individuals and families in need across the country.