HAMBURG - Eric Savage, president of Freedom Toyota, recently launched a "Giving Thanks" campaign in which a total of $40,000 will be donated to charities nominated by area residents.
"The need to help friends and neighbors here and in surrounding areas is especially evident in light of recent weather and financial-related tragedies," Savage said in a prepared statement. "We want to find those most in need and help them in a meaningful way. So, we're asking local residents to recommend a deserving charity.
The contest began Nov. 19 and continues to Dec. 21. A familiar Schuylkill County organization was the winner in the first random drawing from names sent in by the public - Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, Pine Grove.
Winners are being chosen at random each week and Freedom Toyota, in conjunction with Toyota Corp., will donate $5,000 to each cause. The only requirement is that the nominated cause be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Residents can nominate charities online at www.facebook.com/FreedomAutoGroup.
"The more times a charity is nominated on our Facebook page, the more chances that group has of being drawn a winner," Savage said. "This is an opportunity for the public to show their gratitude by helping worthy causes. Whether the nominated cause supports veterans, shelters abandoned pets, serves special-needs children or provides disaster relief for families, we will honor their choices with a cash donation."
Freedom Toyota maintains showrooms in Harrisburg and Hamburg.
