Local Companies and Vendors Give Car to Veteran
April 2025 // LIBERTY, MO – CARSTAR Wicklunds Liberty
In a heartfelt demonstration of community spirit and gratitude, several local businesses and vendors have joined forces to honor a U.S. veteran by donating a fully refurbished vehicle, offering both recognition and real-world support to someone who has selflessly served our country.
Veterans Community Project resident David got behind the wheel of his own car for the first time in three years. Thanks to seven community partners rallying together to donate a used Chrysler 200, a lack of reliable transportation is no longer a barrier to permanent housing for the previously homeless six-year U.S. Army Veteran.
Our Veteran says, “This car gives me a little bit of freedom back… and I’m going to take advantage of it.”
And, you know what, giving a Veteran a little bit of freedom is a big deal.
This project was spearheaded by Billy and Crystal Wicklund. 3rd Generation Owners at CARSTAR Wicklunds Liberty.
Following Vendors where a Huge Help in making this project happen.
Farmers Insurance – Donated the Vehicle
National Auto Body Council w/Recycled Rides and Charity Cars Inc.
CARSTAR Wicklunds Liberty – completed the repairs
Liberty Car Care – completed overall mechanical and safety inspection
Gladstone Dodge – donated needed parts
Midway Auto Parts – donated needed parts
KC Dents – completed the Paintless Dent Repairs
Proud to help a local Veteran!
December 27, 2021 // Franchising.com // LIBERTY, MO – CARSTAR Wicklunds, the first CARSTAR franchise location, has long supported veterans in the Kansas City region. The spirit of honoring these military members’ service continued this holiday season with the presentation of a re-conditioned vehicle to local veteran Elvis Campbell on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
Campbell, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1977 to 1982, was living out of his car when his vehicle quit. He has been commuting from the Veterans Community Project/Tiny Homes to his heart appointments and to the KCI airport, where he is employed via public transportation.
“Elvis is a champion of service through his involvement with his church and to the Veterans Community Project,” said Sean Anderson, lead case manager for the organization.
Gerald Wicklund, second-generation owner of CARSTAR Wicklunds Collision Center in Liberty, MO, partnered with the Houston Family, Liberty Car Care, Houston’s, Adam’s Muffler and O’Reilly Auto Parts to restore a 2006 Chevy Aveo.
“My mother and father always made an effort to recognize the men and women who served our country, and it’s important for me and my sons Billy and Jason to carry on that tradition,” said Wicklund. “This is our way of helping our veteran community during the holiday season. It’s an honor to be able to present Elvis with this vehicle.
CARSTAR Wicklunds also donated raffle proceeds from the 12th Annual Military and First Responder Appreciation event to the Veterans Community Project.
