XENIA — In the season of giving, Detroit Tire is giving back in more than one way.
The tire and auto service center has been collecting non-perishable food items, new clothing, unwrapped toys and personal hygiene items in their toy drive since Halloween. A season later, they’re still collecting, according to General Manager Steve Kemper. They’ll finish up on Sunday, Dec. 31.
Kemper said the gifts are given to local organizations, like the Interfaith Hospitality Network/Schneider House of Hope and the Family Violence Prevention Center, both located in Xenia.
Especially in focus this year is the McKinney Vento Program at Xenia Community Schools, which provides services to students living in transitional housing or experiencing homelessness.
With schools almost on Christmas break, Kemper said he wants everything to be set in time for the holidays.
“But the need is year round,” he said. “Just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean the need goes away.”
Kemp resurrected the toy drive tradition last year, which he said is just one way to support the community.
“I love the idea of helping people because you never know when you or I will be in need,” he said.
In exchange for a gift, the tire shop on West 2nd Street is giving out a free oil change/ tire rotation or a $25 gift certificate for customers to use in the next year.
“It’s amazing. Some customers will come in and just drop stuff and not ask for anything back,” he said. “They’ll walk in the front door, put them in front of the tree and run out before we can say anything.”
The Christmas tree, of course, is made out of tires.
Items have already been distributed to the local charities and will continue to be collected until year-end.
“It’s very rewarding for us,” Kemper said. “We’ll do it again next year.”
Detroit Tire & Auto Service Center is located at 968 West Second St. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Reach out to Detroit Tire at 937-372-6969.
