FRISCO Sometimes all it takes is a little help to put a familys life back on track.
Gary Griffins life was derailed the day after Christmas last year when he was severely injured in a wreck that totaled his car and left him unable to work.
On Thursday, the U.S. Army veteran and single father of an 8-year-old son got a boost from a program that helps people in need. He received a newly refurbished car through the Caliber Collision Recycled Rides program.
Travelers Insurance donated the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, which had been damaged in a rear-end collision. And the employees at Caliber Collision in Frisco donated more than 100 hours of time and expertise to restore it to like-new condition. Vendors donated parts.
Its life-changing and unreal, Griffin said Thursday at Caliber Collisions center in Frisco, where the car was presented. Im very grateful.
Lewisville-based Caliber Collision started its Recycled Rides program about three years ago. It partners with insurance companies to get vehicles donated for restoration. Nearly 50 vehicles have been donated through its centers in nine states. This is the 15th vehicle donated this year.
Greg Clark, senior vice president of marketing at Caliber Collision, said Thursday that each donation is worth about $10,000. Were really proud to be a part of that, he said.
Operation Once In A Lifetime, which grants wishes for military troops and veterans, nominated Griffin for the program.
We make dreams come true for our troops and our veterans, Staff Sgt. Kenny Griffith said Thursday.
Griffin, 48, served as an Army cook from 1988 to 1994 and then studied through the culinary program at Johnson and Wales University in Denver. He moved to Texas in 2004.
He was on his way home from work last year when his car was T-boned a block from his house in Bedford. He spent two months in the hospital with spinal injuries and is still recuperating.
I couldnt work at all, said Griffin, adding, It was just very rough.
Clark said some people have difficulty accepting help when times get tough. He said he told Griffin before Thursdays ceremony to let this be something that helps you turn the corner.
Griffin said that having transportation will definitely make a difference. And the extra gifts in the trunk of the car for him and his son, Myles clothes, sporting equipment, gift cards and a Nintendo 3DS XL will also come in handy.
Griffin intends to go back to work in the restaurant industry. Thats my calling, he said.
The first step was getting reliable transportation for him and his son.
This gives me a lot of hope, Griffin said.
