Al Brodeur's Auto Body And The Hanover Insurance Group Work With Local Partners To Help Worcester Woman Get Back On The Road

WORCESTER, Mass., Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A Worcester woman and her two boys drove off in a donated 2008 Honda Civic today, courtesy of Al Brodeur's Auto Body, The Hanover Insurance Group, O'Brien & Gibbons Insurance Agency, United Way of Central Massachusetts and other local partners.  The vehicle was granted through the Recycled Rides program. This nationwide project was created by the National Auto Body Counsel and will make a difference in the family's life by providing a much needed source of reliable transportation. The program assists members and their partners in repairing and then donating vehicles to families in need.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20051031/NEM023LOGO )

Through the Recycled Rides program:

• The Hanover donated the vehicle, which is worth more than $10,000. The company also gave Jessica a $160 gas card in honor of its 160^th anniversary and a road-side assistance kit
• Al Brodeur's Auto Body refurbished the vehicle, donating labor for repairs and securing the needed parts from Bernardi Auto Group, Keystone and LKQ, along with paint and materials donated from Finishmaster
• O'Brien & Gibbons Insurance Agency has donated the equivalent of one-year of insurance for the vehicle
• United Way of Central Massachusetts worked with a partner agency to choose the recipient

Twenty-six year-old Jessica Francis was recommended as a recipient of the vehicle by the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA), which helped her find housing for her family after being evicted from their home. Over the last year, the single mother of two has been involved with P.O.W.E.R. (Personal Opportunities for Work, Education and Renewal), a CMHA education and workforce development program, funded by United Way. The program helped her to successfully apply to Mount Wachusett Community College's nursing program, which she began in September. The vehicle will provide Jessica with transportation to and from the school.

"According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation more than 15 million Americans have difficulty securing the transportation they need," said Molly Brodeur, Chief Operations Officer of Al Brodeur's Auto Body in Marlborough.   "As a member of the community with a long history of collision repair and community service, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference doing what we know best. It was inspiring to see everyone in the shop contribute in some way to make this happen."

The vehicle was presented to Francis during an event organized in coordination with The Hanover's United Way Campaign. Following the presentation, Jessica joined Al and Molly Brodeur back at the auto body shop to meet and celebrate with the technicians and other partners who had a hand in refurbishing the vehicle.

"We are excited to be able to come together with some of our local partners to help a local family get back on the road," said Mark Welzenbach, chief claims officer, The Hanover. "Building the program into our national United Way campaign serves as a reminder of the tremendous impact our company and our employees can do when we partner with the United Way."

Kelly Stacy, regional president, The Hanover continued, "I want to thank all of our partners for coming together to donate this vehicle, including Al Brodeur's Auto Body, O'Brien & Gibbons, Copart, which provided towing and the United Way."

"We are thrilled to be a part of this program and this very special day for Jessica and her family. As an independent insurance agency, we are in the business of helping people," said Margaret M. Dix of O'Brien & Gibbons Insurance Agency. "We take great pride in the work we do and are especially pleased today to be able to help in this collaborative effort."

"We are very pleased that Hanover is so committed to giving back to the community," said Tim Garvin, president, the United Way Central Massachusetts. "Given the United Way's mission to connect people and resources to improve the community, we were happy to partner with others in the community to help make this all possible."

Each year, The Hanover and its employees grant more than $1 million to the United Way and in 2011 more than 81% of The Hanover's employees –together with the company—donated over $1.3 million to the cause nationwide. This year, in addition to the national campaign, the company will present five Recycled Rides to families in need countrywide.

About Al Brodeur's Auto Body – Your Trusted Road to Repair
Al Brodeur's Auto Body (http://albrodeur.com) is a family owned and operated collision repair shop serving Marlborough and surrounding communities for over 40 years.  With over 150 years of combined experience, Al Brodeur's I-CAR trained technicians and expert staff will handle your claim from start to finish. 

About The Hanover
Founded in 1852, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) is proud to be celebrating 160 years of delivering on its promises to its agent and broker partners, and their customers. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, Worcester, Mass., Citizens Insurance Company of America, Howell, Mich., Chaucer Holdings plc, London, and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of agents and brokers. The company is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty insurers in the United States. Through Chaucer, the company also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including property, marine and aviation, energy, U.K. motor and casualty. For more information, please visit www.Hanover.com.

About O'Brien & Gibbons Insurance Agency
O'Brien & Gibbons Insurance Agency (www.obrienandgibbons.com) is an independent insurance agency in Worcester with more than 75 years of experience.

CONTACT:
Amy Lynn Banek
The Hanover Insurance Group
[email protected]
508-855-4486

SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group