Sarah Taylor needed a car.
The single mother is a student at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Her family was without reliable transportation — until her fellow students stepped in to help.
On June 27, Taylor was presented with a 2011 Buick Regal that had been repaired and refurbished by students in the FTCC Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be given this opportunity,” said Taylor, who was identified as the recipient of the gift through an application process. “This car will be a tremendous help for me and my family and we are really grateful.”
The presentation was in partnership with the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, which links vehicle donors with organizations in the collision-repair industry so that individuals in need are provided with transportation solutions, according to an FTCC news release.
Students in FTCC’s “Collision U” program refurbished the car, which was donated by National General Insurance Co.
The Buick had been judged a total loss after an accident caused significant cosmetic damage.
Local businesses donated parts and service for the project, including Black’s Tire & Auto Service; Harrell’s Tire & Auto Service; Keystone Automotive Industries; Chris Neal; Powers Swain Chevrolet; and Pro Wash USA Car Wash, according to the news release.
Students in the collision repair program repaired the body damage, repainted the car and cleaned it thoroughly.
Taylor said she is thrilled at its appearance.
“It looks brand new,” she said.
FTCC President Mark Sorrells noted the white sedan’s pristine appearance, saying participants in the program had wanted to provide Taylor with not just reliable transportation but a vehicle that would look great as she and her family use it.
FTCC’s Collision U program prepares graduates to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct and finish automobile bodies, fenders and external features. Graduates can earn awards including an associate degree, a diploma and numerous certificates, and qualify for entry-level employment at automotive dealerships, independent collision-repair shops and insurance companies or by working for themselves as collision repair and refinishing technicians.
For more information about the program, visit the FTCC collision repair web page.
