Gold Star Daughter Receives Generous Donation

A Gold Star daughter got a gift that will help her live her father's legacy.

"I'm glad that I have Massachusetts Fallen Heroes," said Kaleigh Hayes, whose father passed away when she was just 7.

"I do have memories of him that I will always hold near and dear to my heart," she said.

In 2003, her father, Sergeant Glenn R. Allison, died while serving with the United States Army in Iraq.

He was 24 years old and left behind a legacy Hayes said she'll never forget.

"He inspired me to push forward, pay it forward and make an impact on those around me," she said. "That's why I vow myself to the Boys and Girls Club, because that's where he grew up."

Hayes works two jobs and goes to school, but her car was always breaking down, making her daily goal to live her father's legacy difficult.

"She had no car. She was in trouble to get a car," said the co-owner of Today's Collision Repair Center, Bobby Cobb.

With the help of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, MetLife Insurance, the National Auto Body Council and Today's Collision Repair Center, Hayes pulled away in her 2014 Nissan Sentra.

"We refurbished with new tires and brakes, a tuneup and general maintenance, and an oil change," said Cobb.

Enterprise also surprised Hayes with a $250 gas card.

"She's going to be set for a long time, maintenance free," Cobb said.

Wednesday's car donation was the eighth for Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and the fourth for the repair center in Malden.

"Just to see her smile and have a new car again, it's an overwhelming feeling," said Cobb.

"It means so much to have the support of everyone here," said Hayes.

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