On Thursday, AutoNation issued a press release announcing that the dealer group is ‘adopting’ 50 families in South Florida for the holidays. The initiative through Neighbors 4 Neighbors is yet another way that AutoNation is caring for their community during especially tough times.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors is a non-profit organization that helps connect people in need in the community with resources to ease their struggle. In addition to a toy drive and a gift card drive known as Operation Elf, the Miami-Dade based organization runs an annual ‘Adopt a Family 4 the Holidays’ initiative. It has been an active campaign for the past 28 holiday seasons.
In 2019, 461 families were registered with the hopes of being assisted, and Neighbors 4 Neighbors raised more than $300,000 to make the season brighter with food. In 2018, more than 500 families were adopted an in excess of $342,000 was raised. Sponsors spent roughly $600 per family, on average.
This year, Neighbors 4 Neighbors has 510 families registered to receive help over the holidays. 159 have been adopted so far.
AutoNation’s History of Giving
AutoNation’s pledge to sponsor 50 families carries nearly 10% of the overall burden for the program. It shoes once again how the dealer group is committed to making their community a better place.
Marc Cannon, Chief Customer Experience Officer at AutoNation, said, “South Florida is home to our Corporate Headquarters, 31 AutoNation locations and thousands of Associates who care about making our community a better place. We are looking forward to providing deserving families with the resources they may need for joyful holiday celebrations.”
This drive follows AutoNation’s successful DRV PNK campaign that has raised $25 million for cancer treatment and research to date. Chairman and CEO Mike Jackson said, “”Every October, we celebrate all that we have accomplished through DRV PNK. This year, we’ve taken our mission to new levels, thanks to the incredible support of our Customers, our Associates and our partners.”
Care bags are also handed out to patients undergoing treatment, although this year’s campaign is different due to COVID-19. Bags will be delivered to facilities to be handed out to patients safely. Jackson said, “Each year our Associates look forward to delivering thousands of comfort bags to patients battling the disease. This year’s deliveries may not be in-person, but the compassion, dedication and enthusiasm have not waned at all.”
AutoNation has also implemented campaigns in the past like free vehicle sanitization for teachers and first responders during the pandemic, sponsored Children’s Hospital fundraisers, and many other projects.
By adopting local families for the holidays, AutoNation reinforces their commitment to improve the lives of Americans living in their neighborhoods.
Katy Meagher, Executive Director at Neighbors 4 Neighbors said, “Since 1992, Neighbors 4 Neighbors has been connecting those in need with those who can help. We are so grateful for outstanding community partners like AutoNation.”
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