Libertyville car dealers collect food for the holidays

The participating auto dealerships in Libertyville’s Auto Dealer’s Association also known as the “Libertyville Mile of Cars” are doing their part to help those in need by hosting their 4th Annual Holiday Food Drive, which runs through Dec. 6.

When customers donate nonperishable food items in the service and parts departments of participating dealerships, the dealerships will give them a discount on service and parts repair orders. The food donation will help fill the shelves at the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.

“It truly is a win-win situation,” said Glenn Bockwinkel of Acura of Libertyville and president of the 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 their vehicle all while helping our neighbors that can really use a helping hand.”

According to a 2010 statistic from the World Hunger Organization, 14.5 percent of households in the United States — approximately one in seven — were food insecure, the highest number ever recorded in the United States.

This statistic is not only for the rural areas, but friends and neighbors right here in Lake County are affected by hunger.

Bring nonperishable food (canned or dry goods) and place them in the marked bins in a participating dealership’s service department.

“Canned stews, spaghetti and paper products like toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and facial tissue are especially appreciated and needed,” said Kathleen M. O’Connor, supervisor of the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.

The genesis of the Libertyville Mile of Cars Holiday Food Drive 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 fill the food bank in our community for years.“

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.

At noon on Friday, Dec. 7, the Libertyville Mile of Cars dealerships will travel in a police escorted convoy to the Libertyville Township Food Pantry, 359 Merrill Court in Libertyville to donate the food they collected.

The caravan will began at Libertyville Buick — GMC, 1120 South Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, and proceed to the township food pantry.