Fix Auto Poway and GEICO Insurance Play Central Roles in Donating Two Vehicles to San Diego Families
September 30th, 2019 by Nikki Guerra
Fix Auto Poway Franchise Partner Gary Leger (center) welcoming attendees during the gifting ceremony.
Fix Auto Poway and GEICO Insurance have teamed up to provide two deserving families with new vehicles. The gifted vehicles include a 2016 Toyota Prius and a 2016 Toyota Corolla, which were both fully refurbished at Fix Auto Poway, which is locally owned and operated by long-time San Diego resident Gary Leger.
The presentation took place at a recent San Diego Padres game and was broadcasted in-stadium and on Fox Sports.
The Heard Family, nominated by STEP (Support the Enlisted Project), received the 2016 Toyota Prius, is a growing Navy family who will soon welcome their second child. Kenny Heard, who is currently enlisted in the Navy, will soon be medically discharged and will require this vehicle to help plan the family’s next steps.
Kenny H., Letticia J., and their families receiving their vehicles.
Letticia Johnwell, also nominated by STEP, is also currently enlisted in the Navy and has recently assumed financial responsibilities for a close friend and the father of her three children; which has placed her in a difficult financial situation. Johnwell received the 2016 Toyota Corolla, which will alleviate the burden of her current vehicle’s lease allowing her additional financial freedom.
The gifting ceremony is part of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® initiative, an inter-industry community awareness project that provides vehicles to those in need. GEICO donated the vehicles, which were then turned over to Fix Auto Poway who performed the necessary repairs free of charge. A number of local vendors contributed the replacement parts needed to finish the job—making it a true community effort.
GEICO executives and managers, Fix Auto Poway Franchise Partner Gary Leger, and the team at Fix Auto Poway immediately following the gifting ceremony.
“We are delighted to be a part of such a great program that helps so many people. In 2018, GEICO donated 91 vehicles countrywide,” said Greg Jacobi, GEICO Regional Vice President. “Military service members were among our first customers. We are deeply honored to present these vehicles to show our appreciation and to celebrate the many sacrifices and contributions these families have made.”
“I’ve always felt that we owe those who selflessly serve our country a debt of gratitude. So, when the opportunity came up to provide two military families with new cars, my entire team leapt at the opportunity to do so. They’ve served us, so it was only appropriate for us to take a moment and serve them,” said Fix Auto Poway Franchise Partner Gary Leger. “NABC’s mission is to show the benevolent side of our industry and provide a lifeline to deserving households. On behalf of my entire organization and those who graciously contributed, it was an absolute honor to provide these two local families with safe and reliable transportation.”
