New Jersey Shop,Akzo Nobel, Provides Car to Needy Family

Last December, Dagny Scott, a homeless mother of four residing in New Jersey, thought a prayer was answered when local business Boggs Auto donated a refurbished 1999 Nissan Altima to her family. But thanks to miles of red tape, she was unable to use the car. Her driver's license expired and she didn't have the six points of identification required in New Jersey to get it renewed.

According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the six points - various documents that prove identity and residence - must be there for anyone to get a license, no matter what.

"She was trying to do all the right things and the system wouldn't let her," says Jason Boggs, owner of Boggs Auto.

So, Scott and her four children, Tylea (11), Sherle (9), Jasmin (8) and Mesele (8), were forced to continue their daily marathon commute. Since the family stays at different churches every week, the commute varied.

Scott's daily ritual consisted of rising at 5 a.m. to get the kids ready for school, catching several buses to drop them off, then catching a bus herself to go to work at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. In all, she spends over three hours a day on the bus.

Jason and Jim Boggs, owners of Boggs Auto, donated the car - considered totaled by an insurance company - after it had been completely refurbished as a part of the Akzo Nobel Acoat selected Benevolence Program.

"Many collision centers have been participating in this program for the past eight years," says Rick Fifer, services development manager at Akzo Nobel. "The owners and employees of Boggs Auto are a good representation of the passion, enthusiasm, dedication and love that is expressed by the program."

The Benevolence Program presents refurbished cars to deserving individuals or organizations during the holiday season. In 2006, 52 shops participated, giving away a total of 57 cars.

"It's an awesome program," says Jason. "The industry needs a good shot in the arm, and this helps with that."

Lots of local collision repair businesses assisted Boggs Auto in the refurbish, as Cettei and Connel Insurance Agency donated a year's insurance policy, Woodbury Nissan donated parts, EL&M Auto Parts donated used parts, Pacifico Ford donated tires, Till Paint Co. donated paint, Air Bag Services donated an overview of electrical components, 3M donated materials, Allamby Properties helped with the acquisition of the vehicle, Mike Caputo Pinstriping donated personalized painted stripes, and Redy Battery donated the battery.

On Dec. 14, 2006, a ceremony was held at Boggs Auto, and the keys were given to Scott. Then, they ran into the red tape. But, the shop worked with local governmental bodies and did whatever it took to get Scott back on the road.

In February, Scott was granted a temporary extension, which gave her enough time to get the necessary documents. On Feb. 15, she drove the car away from Boggs Auto.

The Boggs have participated in the program the last three years.

"It's hard to describe the feelings we have," says Jason. "It's not often you see body men with tears in their eyes. Our guys really get into this. They give up their time; they work late; they do whatever it takes. It's a great program and we love being a part of it."