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Auto body shops all over the country put their charitable efforts on hold during the pandemic for obvious reasons. But a few shops out there took the opportunity to step up and do even more, by reaching out to their local communities and finding more ways to help.

A good example is Kendrick Paint & Body, a third-generation MSO with eight locations in Georgia.

In 2008, owner Steve Kendrick Jr. bought the shop from his father, whose father had founded it in 1950, and decided to scale the family’s successful business. As a result, today they have eight locations with 165 employees and fix approximately 1,300 cars monthly.

During the pandemic, Kendrick decided to continue on the path his grandfather started.

Some shops put one person in charge to coordinate all of their company’s philanthropy, and that’s why Kendrick’s Operations and Marketing Specialist Carson McLaughlin is always busy.

“She has done an amazing job,” Kendrick said. “We find new causes and organizations in need all the time, especially here in Augusta, where we cover a large area in a fast-growing community. I tell people it’s a ‘small big town’ where everyone knows everyone. So being known for helping others, that’s huge and something we’re proud of.”

The business has been involved with NABC’s Recycled Rides for several years and has given away eight vehicles since entering into a

partnership. “NABC does a great job and the process is absolutely seamless,” Kendrick said. “They make it easy and that’s why we will keep working with them on these car presentations.” Here is a lengthy list of Kendrick Paint & Body’s charitable efforts: They recently delivered 50 boxed lunches from Fat Man’s to the University Hospital Emergency Department in Augusta, with Kendrick there to assist. “We thank all the health care workers giving their all during this continued pandemic,” he said. A local promotional company, Showpony, designed a T-shirt for Kendrick Paint & Body, and donated $2,000 from the proceeds to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta (RMCHA). “Since the COVID-19 Steve Kendrick Jr., center, stepped up his company’s charitable efforts during the pandemic pandemic began, the RMHCA hasn’t been able to operate at full capacity due to occupancy and social distancing requirements, and they have placed some families in local hotels,” Kendrick said. “The hotels were an additional, non-budgeted item, and that’s why we’re happy to help cover some of the expense with our donation.” Kendrick Paint and Body teamed up with Manuel’s Bread Cafe and delivered 100 meals to the staff at Augusta University. Kendrick, Manuel Carron, Ansley Kendrick and Britton Zier delivered meals at lunch. “We were happy to donate and give appreciation for our incredible medical professionals,” Kendrick said. The company recently partnered with David Goodbread and FP Mehan of Insurance Services of Augusta and delivered meals to the North Augusta Public Safety, and also delivered 100 lunches to Aiken Regional Medical Center. Kendrick Paint & Body and the JLA Group teamed up to help beautify downtown Augusta by providing landscaping on the Broad Street medians between 13th and 15th streets.

For the past several years, Enterprise has partnered with Kendrick Paint & Body to present a $2,000 grant to the American Red Cross Augusta Chapter.

“The money helps the Red Cross continue operations in our area,” Kendrick said. “The Augusta chapter covers 15 counties with only three paid employees. The remainder are dedicated volunteers.

“In 2018 alone, we had six natural disasters. As a result, the Red Cross sheltered more people in 45 days than in the last five years combined. The Augusta chapter sheltered more than 3,000 people during Hurricane Irma. The donations help keep these operations in place to ensure the Red Cross is able to help serve in disasters and tough times.”

Every February, the company participates in the Red Cross Boot Scoot Boogie, an annual event that generates more than $100,000 for the Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Each year, Kendrick Paint & Body supports SafeHomes Domestic Violence Center by sponsoring the Fake It to Make It lip sync competition. The event has raised more than $160,000 annually to help fund SafeHomes’ mission.

“SafeHomes is committed to ending domestic violence through advocacy, awareness and education,” he said. “They have an array of highly-specialized and comprehensive services to assist victims, regardless of the stage they are at on their journey. All services are completely free and completely confidential.”

By constantly looking for more ways to give, Kendrick is proud to be a contributing member of his community, a role he wants to play as long as he can.

“There will always be people and organizations out there that will need help, and if we’re in a position to do it, why not?”

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