Washburn Tech, a member of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), has elected to participate in a national vehicle donation program called Recycled Rides.  Washburn Tech is the first educational institution in the nation to be a Recycled Rides training facility.  This program is a community awareness project whereby members of NABC repair and donate recycled vehicles to families in need. 

Noller Automotive Group of Lawrence donated the first Recycled Rides vehicle to Washburn Tech, a 2006 Hyundai Sonata.  Washburn Tech students made repairs to the vehicle under the supervision of instructors and other professionals from area automotive firms over two Auto Repair Marathon Weekends in October 2011.  More than 60 students, technicians and others have volunteered their time and talents to make Washburn Tech Recycled Rides a success. 

Washburn Tech thanks the numerous firms and individuals have stepped up to the plate to help in the effort, donating parts, supplies, making a financial contribution, or providing technicians to help guide Washburn Tech students in making the necessary vehicle repairs.  Firms including BG Chemicals, Binswanger Glass, Dent Masters/Mobile “Car”e, Frye Automotive, Hogan Muffler & Brake, Kansas Automotive Warehouse, Larry Lewis, Lewis Collision Center, LKQ/Keystone, Noller Automotive Group, Performance Tire & Wheel, PPG Paint, Topeka Pro Detail, PT’s Coffee, Bart and Debra Showalter, 3M Corporation, Ken and Michele Walker, and Yingling Auto Body have assisted with the first vehicle.

The first Washburn Tech Recycled Rides vehicle was awarded to an area resident chosen by a committee of area charitable organizations in a special ceremony held on November 22, 2011.

For more information about donating a vehicle for the Washburn Tech Recycled Rides program or for use as a training vehicle, please contact Eric Showalter, Auto Collision Instructor, by e-mail at eric.showalter@washburntech.edu or by phone, 785.273.7140, ext “0”.  For more information about how to be considered to become a recipient of a Washburn Tech Recycled Rides vehicle please contact Eileen Caspers, Business and Industry Coordinator at Eileen.caspers@washburntech.edu or by phone, 785.228.6305.

Click here for Recycled Rides Brochure