Fowler team gives the gift of comfort
The team was paired with a family through Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU), a nonprofit serving California parents and children in families with unique needs. The team received brief background information on the family – a single mother and her two daughters – and their needs. Then, they got to work finding items to make the family’s home and holiday comfortable and cozy.
They provided a bunk bed, something the girls had been asking their mother for all year, along with memory foam mattresses and two comforter sets. For the mother, the team provided laundry baskets to replace the large trash bags she used to transport laundry. They also collected a variety of toiletries and gift cards for groceries and additional household items.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my team,” said Store Manager Nhia Vue. “I’m so thankful for how they came together to make this family’s holiday as bright as possible.”
In a message to the Fowler team, the mother who received the team's gifts shared her gratitude.
"Thank you for choosing my family in blessing our Christmas with wonderful gifts," she said. "I always tell my kids, 'It’s not about the amount of gifts you get, it’s about family coming together to spend time with one another and to be thankful for what we have.'
Because of your donations, my family will get both our family and many gifts. You guys helped me make Christmas this year."
Rancho Dominguez team members give the gift of service
Rancho Dominguez Store Manager Ruben Valenzuela, Service Manager Joel Prado, and Parts Lead Joel Reyes spent time on a Saturday to perform maintenance on a local Little League field.
“I’m really proud of these guys for looking for ways to help out the community, even when it is during their own time,” said Regional Aftermarket Manager Colby Gergovich.
Chandler team joins with My Sister’s Place to give the gift of shelter
Clothing, toiletries, games, and toys donated by team members, plus a matching donation from the Chandler RDO store, were delivered to My Sister’s Place, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse. Currently, My Sister’s Place is home to 15 women and 16 children.
“I’m proud and grateful for the way the team showed up for this effort,” said Parts Manager Michael Carr. “We were able to provide a wide variety of items that we hope will make the women and children staying at My Sister’s Place a little more comfortable during an incredibly difficult time.”
California teams give the gift of joy
The RDO teams in Rancho Dominguez, Oxnard, and Riverside, California, joined efforts during December to donate clothing and other necessities to families through nonprofit Assistance League of the Foothill Communities.
The Riverside team also continued a multi-year tradition of partnership with Fontana K9 and Kaiser Fontana Children's Cancer Center for a holiday toy drive. At the store, the team collected more than three large boxes full of toys for children who will be spending the holidays in the hospital, donated by team members, customers, and others.
“This has always been a great partnership,” said Regional Aftermarket Manager Colby Gergovich. “Fontana K9 brings the dogs to visit when the toys are dropped off and it helps share some holiday spirit for the kids. If we can do that, make the day even just a little brighter, then we’ll proudly participate as long as possible.”
