A Mountlake Terrace single mother, with three special needs children was given a completely refurbished vehicle through Recycled Rides, a nationwide community service program sponsored locally by the Renton GEICO, Kirmac Collision/Thoroughbred and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Alicia Stout called her new Ford Edge the “best Christmas gift ever,” as she accepted her prize Tuesday morning at GEICO’s Renton offices.

“It’s unspeakable, I don’t have words,” she said of the generosity. “I just say thank you to God and everybody involved, who helped to make it happen.”

Stout was nominated by the YWCA Seattle, King, Snohomish, where she turned when seeking shelter with her family. She’s been struggling for about seven years, since her son was born with autism and his father left. Her son was also born premature and has had several surgeries.

Staff at the YWCA thought Stout was a good candidate for the program because she often has to take six or seven buses daily as she commutes from work appointments, medical and therapy appointments and regular trips to the grocery store. She’s overcome homelessness, now lives in transitional housing and works as an in-home caregiver, thanks to help from the YWCA.

“We are so honored to be apart of the Recycled Rides program,” said Sue Sherbrooke, YWCA CEO.

GEICO has donated 25 vehicles through the Recycled Rides program this year. The program was started in Tucson between GEICO and Michael Quinn, who’s part of the National Auto Body Council and eventually became a nationwide program. GEICO has gotten more involved during the years as employees have felt more compelled because of tough economic conditions, said Martha Furnas, regional vice president.

“It’s just fun to be able to do this and here in Renton, where we have an office and a larger presence,” she said. “To be able to give back to this community, it’s really important to our associates.”

The program brings together insurance companies, rental car companies and auto body repairers to refurbish and donate vehicles to individuals nominated by local charitable organizations.

“Lack of reliable transportation is one of the biggest obstacles for individuals like Alicia who struggle to rebuild their lives,” said Brian Cronk, regional director for Kirmac/Thoroughbred, in a press release. “Giving back to our community is important to us, and we are proud to partner with GEICO and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to donate a vehicle to Alicia and her family.”