The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) and the Piedmont Benevolence Center have each received a Honda vehicle to help with the organizations’ mission in the community. The vehicles were presented during Honda’s 33^rd annual Honda Supplier Conference held, May 4-5, in Birmingham, Alabama.

BCRI received a 2017 Honda Pilot SUV while the Piedmont center received a 2017 Honda Odyssey.

BCRI will use the Honda Pilot to share its message as part of educational and community outreach.

“We are thankful for this donation from Honda and excited to put it to good use,” said Andrea Taylor, BCRI president and CEO. “It will increase the visibility of the institute as we travel throughout the area and participate in educational and community events.”

The Honda Pilot will be used to transport educators and supplies to area schools and community events, as well as used for youth leadership field trips. A specialty wrap will promote BCRI, and its role as part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.

The Piedmont Benevolence Center will use the Honda Odyssey to deliver meals, collect donations and transport clients to medical appointments.

“We are grateful for Honda’s donation and the Odyssey will be perfect for our needs,” said Stephanie Curvin, executive director, Piedmont Benevolence Center.

Before the donation, the center relied on volunteers’ personal vehicles or a borrowed van.

“A dedicated vehicle allows the center to be more responsive to both client needs and donation opportunities,” Curvin said.