FTCC student Sarah Taylor (center) and FTCC administrators, staff, students and donors stand next to the 2011 Buick Regal that was donated to Taylor through the Recycled Rides program. [Photo by Brad Losh]
Fayetteville Technical Community College student Sarah Taylor’s days of taking a rideshare to class and work are over, thanks to the College’s Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program.
FTCC presented Taylor with a refurbished 2011 Buick Regal on Tuesday at the Collision Repair center.
“I never knew that even though I’d be getting my education from FTCC, that they’d also be providing my transportation to the job that I was going to get from the degree,” said Taylor, who was selected from a pool of applicants. “I want to thank FTCC and the donors that made this possible. I feel incredibly blessed to be given this opportunity. This car will be a tremendous help to me and my family, and we are really grateful.”
The presentation was made possible through a partnership with the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, which links vehicle donors with organizations in the collision-repair industry in order to provide transportation to individuals and service organizations that are in need.
FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells hands a key to a refurbished car to student Sarah Taylor. [Photo by Brad Losh]
FTCC students in the Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program, known as Collision U, refurbished the sedan, which was donated by National General Insurance Co.
After completion of the body work, students in FTCC’s Automotive Systems Technology program serviced the vehicle and replaced the tires and starter.
“This program is about creating opportunities for our students,” FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells said. “Our students started working to repair this 2011 white Buick Regal so it wouldn’t just be a good, reliable automobile for transportation, but it would also make Ms. Taylor look good.”
In addition to FTCC and FTCC Foundation, several local businesses and businesspeople also contributed to the project:
- Black’s Tire & Auto Service – donated tires
- Harrell’s Tire & Auto Service – will provide a year’s worth of oil changes
- Keystone Automotive Industries – donated repair parts
- Chris Neal – donated a $50 gas card
- Powers Swain Chevrolet – donated a starter
- Pro Wash USA Car Wash – will provide 25 car washes
