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.

Structural repairs are beginning in March on two Washburn Tech Recycled Rides vehicles to be awarded to area residents in the spring of 2013. The first 2013 Marathon Repair weekend for Auto Collision and Auto Service Technician students to make repairs to both vehicles at Washburn Tech will be the evening of Friday March 1st through Saturday, March 2nd with the possibility repairs will continue on Sunday, March 3rd.

In 2011-2012 three vehicles were repaired and donated to area residents without a vehicle of their own. These included a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan which was donated to Washburn Tech Recycled Rides by State Farm Insurance, a 1999 Ford Escort donated by an area resident, and a 2006 Hyundai Sonata donated by Noller Automotive Group of Lawrence.

More than 90 students, technicians and others volunteered their time and talents to make Washburn Tech Recycled Rides a success in 2011-2012.

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 assisted in 2011-2012.

  Washburn Tech Recycled Rides Brochure

For more information about donating a vehicle for the Washburn Tech Recycled Rides program or for use as an educational 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”.

To be Considered as a Potential Recipient

Please see the attached documents for the qualifications and application. Note deadline of Friday, February 15 at noon, 2013 to be considered for vehicles scheduled to be awarded in the spring of 2013.

• Recycled Rides Nomination Information
• Recycled Rides Nomination Form

For more information about how to be considered to become a recipient of a Washburn Tech Recycled Rides vehicle please contact Tim Clothier, Business and Industry Coordinator, at tim.clothier@washburntech.edu or by phone, 785.670.2240.