United Way of Stanislaus County, Central Valley Automotive team up for holiday drive
From Friday through Dec. 20, all Central Valley Automotive locations will be collecting toys for needy local children. United Way will distribute the toys to two agencies, the Children’s Crisis Center and Sierra Vista Child and Family Services. Both agencies serve children and families in crisis who live in Stanislaus County.
In addition to the holiday toy drive, Central Valley Automotive will donate $25 per car sold during the holidays to United Way of Stanislaus County, up to $25,000, according to a news release from Amy Vickery, vice president of marketing and development for United Way of Stanislaus County.
“These funds will support the education initiative led by United Way in partnership with the Center for Human Services, which was implemented last fall,” Vickery said. “The program targets middle school students who are struggling with behavior, attendance and/or academic issues and have been identified as students who are at risk of dropping out of high school.
“Graduation coaches mentor students, bridge the communication gap between home and school, strengthen the students’ relationship with teaching staff and connect students to community resources, creating a strong support system for the student.”
The corporate donation from Central Valley Automotive will contribute to funding a half-time graduation coach. Currently, the program is being sustained by the United Way workplace campaign, individual and corporate gifts, and local foundation grants.
“We are making strides in the lives of students but we can do more,” Francine DiCiano, president and CEO of United Way Stanislaus County, said in the news release. “We started small, at just three school sites, but our long-term goal is placing a graduation coach at all 26 middle schools in our county. We have a ways to go, but we are so thankful for community partnerships like this one with Central Valley Automotive. It’s really going to help a lot of young people who are struggling.”
Toys can be dropped off in the showroom of any Central Valley Automotive location on McHenry Avenue during business hours. Participating locations are Central Valley Nissan, Central Valley Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Central Valley Hyundai, Central Valley Infiniti and Payless Car Sales.
This story was originally published November 22, 2014 at 4:05 PM with the headline "United Way of Stanislaus County, Central Valley Automotive team up for holiday drive."