Coat & food drives part of auto retail’s holiday givebacks
The charitable work in auto retail during the holidays continues, this time with a food drive and efforts to provide those in need with winter coats.
Starting with the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the group kicked off its campaign to help the Operation Warm organization last week and anticipates raising more than $100,000 in pledges as part of these efforts to provide children with new warm coats.
The kickoff was held at East Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Greenvale, N.Y.
“Each year, local franchised new car dealers come together to donate warmth with brand-new winter coats for children throughout New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley,” GNYADA president Mark Schienberg said in a news release.
“Participating dealers raise money from each car sold in their dealership, as well as donate thousands of dollars more,” he said.
At Carvana, the online retailer has launched its annual Happy Haulerdays campaign, where this year it is collecting canned food and non-perishables at its Car Vending Machines throughout the U.S. through Monday.
Carvana is partnering with food banks as part of this campaign.
“Carvana is dedicated to serving our local communities,” said Allison Andrews, Carvana’s brand manager for activation and community, in a news release.
“We believe in treating people better, and the holidays can trigger financial stress and food insecurity for those struggling,” Andrews said. We are excited to promote our Happy Haulerdays campaign at our Car Vending Machine locations this year, and to give back more to families in need this holiday season.”
The company is accepting all types of non-perishable goods. The items most needed include peanut butter, canned soups/chilis, canned meat and shelf stable pasta and sauces.