Disabled American Veterans Los Angeles Chapter receives donated car from Mercury Insurance and Valley Motor Center

Local donation is part of national Recycled Rides program

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Nov 22, 2010, 06:29 ET

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance and Valley Motor Center presented a refurbished Toyota Sienna minivan to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 73 at a ceremony honoring the organization. The event, which was part of the national Recycled Rides program, also featured Congressional Representative Howard Berman, Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine and Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield.

"We know Valley Motor Center and Mercury Insurance have a long history of helping those in need, and we are grateful to be chosen as a Recycled Rides recipient," said DAV State Commander Michael Steinbaugh. "This vehicle will make it much easier for us to provide disabled vets with transportation to and from VA medical facilities."

In association with the National Auto Body Council, collision repair shops across the country take part in Recycled Rides and donate vehicles, at no charge, to local charities or organizations during Thanksgiving Week. The practice was founded five years ago in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when the collision repair industry set out to respond to the needs of displaced individuals by offering employment, tools, equipment and, in some cases, housing. Since then, the organization's efforts have grown into a national program that provides refurbished vehicles to people and organizations in need.

"Our goal is to help as many people who are in need as we can in the communities we serve," said Marsh Gluchow, owner of Valley Motor Center. "We are very serious about our responsibility to give back to those who are in need and we are pleased to be able to donate this vehicle to Disabled American Veterans."

Many sick and disabled veterans lack transportation to and from VA medical facilities, which makes it difficult for them to receive needed treatment. DAV operates a nationwide Transportation Network, whereby volunteers drive sick and disabled veterans to their medical and treatment appointments. The donated Toyota Sienna will be used to directly help these men and women throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles regions.

"We are proud to participate in this year's Recycled Rides donation and very pleased to be able to take part in a program that has such a positive impact on the community," said Matt Williams, who oversees Mercury's CARS Vehicle Repair Program. "Disabled American Veterans provides a critical service for the many men and women who so bravely defended our country and we at Mercury are proud to help make their job a little easier."

Mercury Insurance donated the vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Sienna with low mileage, which will be used by DAV's transportation program. Valley Motor Center donated the parts and labor, and used its own expert metal and paint technicians to totally recondition the vehicle. Valley Motor Center will also take care of oil changes for life at no charge to the DAV.

About Mercury Insurance

Founded in 1962, Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents and brokers in California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania. For more information visit: www.mercuryinsurance.com

About Valley Motor Center

Valley Motor Center (VMC) has been providing expert collision repair since 1944 and has been family owned and operated since February, 1992. VMC's 98% customer satisfaction score is among the very highest in any industry. VMC is designated as an I-Car Gold Class shop, meaning that every one of its technicians has achieved the highest level of training, certification and expertise in its industry. For more information visit: www.valleymotorcenter.com

About Disabled American Veterans

The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families. The DAV was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I to represent their unique interests. In 1932, the DAV was congressionally chartered as the official voice of the nation's wartime disabled veterans. For more information visit: www.dav.org

SOURCE Mercury Insurance