Full Breakdown
Dunwoody College Students Gift Rebuilt Hyundai Elantra to Veteran Through Recycled Rides Program
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Vehicle Donation to Veteran
On September 23, 2026, students from the Automotive Collision and Refinishing program at Dunwoody College of Technology presented a fully rebuilt Hyundai Elantra to Robert Hanson, a Minnesota veteran who had been without personal transportation for two years. Hanson was referred to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program by Hennepin County and the Minnesota Association of Counties-Veterans (MAC-V). The ceremony took place on campus, where the vehicle was handed over after months of student labor.
Program Background
The Recycled Rides program, administered by the National Auto Body Council, refurbishes donated vehicles and distributes them to service members and veterans. To date, the initiative has donated more than 3,700 vehicles nationwide, with approximately 75 % of those going to veterans and current military personnel. The program partners with educational institutions to provide hands-on training for automotive students while addressing transportation needs in the veteran community.
Impact on Recipient
Hanson, who lives with multiple health issues, described the car as a “big-time game changer.” He explained that walking for errands had taken a toll on his health and finances, and the new vehicle will enable him to shop in bulk, access more reasonable prices, and regain independence in daily activities.
Official Statements & Responses
Collision instructor Brian Briske emphasized that the donation was intended to be more than a set of keys; he framed the vehicle as a tool for personal transformation and a tangible step toward Hanson’s next life chapter. Students involved in the rebuild expressed satisfaction that their coursework directly benefited a community member, noting the emotional reward of seeing Hanson’s reaction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, we aren't just giving away a set of keys,” — Brian Briske
- “I'm so thankful to everybody involved.” — Minnesota Robert Hanson