Business & Tech

Schaefer Autobody Center Donates Van Via Circle of Concern

Schaefer Autobody repaired the van and donated through a "Recycled Rides" program.

Schaefer Autobody Centers, 300 Biltmore Dr., Suite 320, Fenton, presented a 2003 Mazda Tribute van Monday to James Savage, of Fenton. The van, which was donated to Schaefer Autobody by American Family Insurence, was repaired and donated to Savage through the efforts of Circle of Concern, a Valley Park agency that provides both long term and emergency assistance to low-income families in west St. Louis County.

Schaefer Autobody, through its membership in the National Auto Body Council (NABC), participates in a national vehicle donation program called Recycled Rides. This program is a community awareness project where members of NABC repair and donate recycled vehicles to families in need.  

Recycled Rides is scheduled to make simultaneous donations throughout the country the week of Thanksgiving.  “Our goal is to help people in our local community,” states Steve Schaefer, owner of the company. "We decided to utilize the NABC program because it has a great toolkit which walks us through the entire process. Together we can have an effect right here in our community and across the country.”  

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

“Each year collision repair operators all over the country come across cars that are ‘written off’ or ‘totaled’ by either the owner or the insurance company," Schaefer said. "Many times all these vehicles need is some TLC or mechanical and body work to get them road ready and safe to drive. Why are these cars going to waste when there are people who really need them? We decided to join in on this national effort and located a nice 2003 Mazda Tribute generously donated by American Family Insurance Company.  

Circle Of Concern assisted Schaefer Autobody Centers in locating a worthy individual. The recipient will be presented the vehicle on Monday, November 21st.  “We are excited about participating in Recycled Rides,” said Glenn Koenen, of Circle of Concern. “Schaefer Autobody Centers has a long history of helping those in need in our community and we’re proud to be a part of this program. We work diligently to find the perfect match for this donation.”  

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Schaefer Autobody Centers is a 26-year-old family-owned business started in Webster Groves.  The business has grown from one shop to seven collision repair centers in the St. Louis area, including locations in Creve Coeur, Crestwood, Ellisville, Hazelwood, O’Fallon, MO, Fenton, and the original shop in Webster Groves.

The National Auto Body Council is a not-for-profit organization committed to the goal of improving the image of all dedicated professionals in the collision repair industry.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Fenton-High Ridge