CARMEL, Ind. -

KAR Auction Services announced Thursday that in addition to its initial $225,000 contribution to City Life Wheels of Central Indiana to fund the new KAR Auction Services City Life Wheels Training Center, it will commit another $25,000 grant for the program next year.

An Indianapolis-based non-profit, City Life Wheels teaches youth in its community basic auto maintenance and repair skills, using donated used-vehicles.

The new grant is to be used to help expand the City Life Wheels program, according to KAR.

KAR’s initial $225,000 grant helped fund the purchase and renovation of the City Life Wheels facility located at 2409 East Washington Street.

“As one of the state’s largest employers, KAR Auction Services is committed to supporting our community and the development of Indiana’s workforce,” KAR Auction Services chairman and chief executive officer Jim Hallett said in a news release announcing the new funding.

“The new KAR Auction Services City Life Wheels Training Center helps teens learn technical and personal skills that will help them succeed as adults in the automotive industry and beyond. I look forward to seeing program graduates as potential KAR employees,” Hallett continued.

The facility includes six automotive repair bays and lifts, diagnostic and repair equipment, a kitchen and classroom space where City Life also holds programs that provide support and assistance.

“As a non-profit organization, City Life Wheels depends on the generosity of others – donated cars, equipment and time – to advance our mission,” said Ali King, executive director at Central Indiana Youth for Christ and City Life Wheels.

“KAR’s support allowed us to complete this state-of-the-art center and will help us reach and train even more young adults. This partnership will not only improve the lives our graduates, but will positively impact the future of our entire community,” she said.