Chicago Veterans Receive Refurbished Vehicles for Transport

Two Chicago veterans recently received donated, repaired vehicles to assist with their daily transportation needs.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Car Types

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern sedan parked on a quiet, sunlit urban residential street, representing community veteran support. — The National Auto Body Council donated two refurbished vehicles to Chicago-area Army veterans during an event at the David Rubenstein Forum. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The National Auto Body Council presented two refurbished vehicles to Chicago veterans on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the David Rubenstein Forum. The donated cars provide reliable transportation for recipients who previously served in the U.S. Army.

Why it matters

Reliable personal transportation is a vital logistical link for veterans transitioning to civilian life, and these donations help reduce the significant financial burden of vehicle ownership. The initiative aims to support local veterans by providing restored vehicles that were donated and repaired through industry collaboration.

Two veterans received refurbished vehicles at the David Rubenstein Forum, including a 2019 Ram 1500 and a 2021 Kia K5. These vehicles underwent repairs by industry professionals to ensure they were ready for daily use.

The players

National Auto Body Council

A trade organization that coordinates charitable automotive initiatives and professional repair partnerships.

Allstate

A major national insurance provider that frequently partners with automotive repair networks for charitable giving.

Gerber Collision & Glass

A nationwide automotive repair chain specializing in collision and body restoration services.

Michael Powell

A Chicago-area veteran who served 15 years in the U.S. Army and received a refurbished 2019 Ram 1500.

Michelle Scott-Bovell

A Chicago-area veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 2014 to 2016 and received a refurbished 2021 Kia K5.

The details

The donated vehicles were sourced through the Changing and Saving Lives Keys for Change program, which facilitates the donation of unwanted cars. Gerber Collision & Glass performed the necessary refurbishments on the vehicles to bring them to a reliable standard. Allstate sponsored the donation, with the presentation tied to the Growth Conference 2026 held at the University of Chicago.

Michelle Scott-Bovell served in the U.S. Army from 2014 to 2016.
The refurbished vehicles were presented on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

The Home Front

This donation event sits within the broader trend of corporate-sponsored charitable giving aimed at addressing transportation insecurity among veterans. It highlights how private industry capacity can be repurposed to meet the essential logistical needs of local households.

Chicago residents interested in contributing to similar veteran support efforts can donate unwanted vehicles through the Changing and Saving Lives Keys for Change program. Check that your vehicle title and maintenance records are ready if you are considering participating in a donation program.

The takeaway

Reliable transportation remains a critical factor for household stability during a career transition. Residents can support these automotive initiatives by vetting donation programs through the official Changing and Saving Lives Keys for Change portal.