Libertyville car dealers begin holiday food drive

This November, participating dealerships in Libertyville’s Mile of Cars are doing their part to help those in need by hosting the first of what they plan as an annual holiday food drive.

When people donate food in the service department of participating Libertyville car dealers, they will receive a discount on their service repair order.

The discounts vary by dealership, and the food donation will help fill the shelves at local Libertyville area community food banks, pantries and shelters.

“It truly is a win-win situation,” said Glenn Bockwinkel, of Acura of Libertyville and president of the Libertyville Auto Dealer’s Association, also known as Libertyville Mile of Cars.

“Our customers get the service they need performed on their vehicle by factory-trained and certified technicians using the factory parts made and recommended for your vehicle, all while helping our neighbors that can really use a helping hand.”

The genesis of the Libertyville Mile of Cars Holiday Food Drive idea comes from Joe Massarelli of Libertyville Auto City and John Massarelli of Libertyville Auto Plaza, whose dealerships have been hosting food drives for years.

“The food drive is a tradition at our dealership,” said Joe Massarelli. “The past generosity of our customers has helped filled food banks and pantries in our community for years.“

“It’s great that our food drive idea is expanding to our whole group of Libertyville car dealers,” said John Massarelli. “As a large group acting together, we can have a much greater positive impact on our community.”

The Holiday Food Drive runs from Nov. 1 to Nov. 25. Bring two items of nonperishable food items (canned or dry goods) and place them in the marked bins in your participating dealership’s service department. The dealerships will deliver the food items to local Libertyville-area community food banks, pantries and shelters.

To promote this year’s Food Drive, several dealerships have mailed and emailed service coupons and reminders to their customer databases to encouraging food donations.