For more than two years, Minneapolis veteran Robert Hanson managed daily errands without a car. Now, a refurbished 2020 Hyundai Elantra is giving him a welcome new sense of freedom.
Hanson served as a U.S. Navy airman from 1993 to 1997. Since leaving the military, he has faced severe asthma and fibromyalgia, making public transportation difficult. Walking to buy food had become part of his routine.
A Hennepin County welfare service referred him to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. Through its Recycled Rides for Schools initiative, students in Dunwoody College’s Automotive Collision and Refinishing program spent months restoring an Elantra donated by program partner Allstate after a collision.
When Hanson received the car at the Minneapolis college, the students saw how much their work meant to him.
“I was so happy to see that he was happy to have literally a brand-new car, and we were able to be a part of that,” said collision student Abbie Vera.
For Hanson, having a vehicle means he can shop for groceries at more affordable places, buy in bulk and go beyond the places he could reach on foot.
“I’m just blown away and so thankful to everybody involved,” he said. “Big-time game changer for me because I’ve been walking everywhere to get food. So now I can finally shop at more reasonable places and buy in bulk, and whatever you need a vehicle. I’ll be able to get out there and enjoy life again.”
