This Holiday Season, Give to the Unfortunate with Toys for Tots

It’s the holiday season, and with that said, we’re pumped for the great times with family, the breeze of cool winter weather, and the abundance of gifts we will be able to give and receive.  We’re an automotive dealership and we appreciate every individual that comes in to see us for service, new car purchases, and overall questions about their vehicles.  We appreciate your business and understand that you have a life and family of your own.  However, some of the less fortunate might not have that luxury. 

In today’s blog, we’re taking a road less traveled.  We’re going to talk about how your new, unwrapped gift for a little boy or girl can brighten their holiday season for years to come.  Toys for Tots mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.  So, you’re probable asking: “How can I help?”

You can contribute to your local Toys for Tots campaign in several ways. You can donate a toy at one of the area toy drop locations, host a Toys for Tots event at your home, office or other venue and collect toys for Toys for Tots, or volunteer at the local warehouse.

Please select your state and county from this link: http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.aspx and you will be redirected to the Toys for Tots website for your local community. Once there, follow the prompts for your desired action, or select the “Contact Us” option from the menu bar. You should be provided with contact information for the local campaign Coordinator.  It’s that easy!

Our FAVORITE Instagram Photo of the Month

If you're like us, then you have a certain appreciation for the automobile.  It's smooth contour lines, leather seats and the speed and power that comes from a great engine.  As big social media fans, we can also appreciate a vehicle captured in the right light.  In today's blog, we're showcasing our favorite Instagram photo of the month.  A collective effort from our peeps at the dealership.  Check out our favorite below! 

5 Hot US Spots for a Road Trip

5 Hot US Spots for a Road Trip

“America the beautiful” written by Katharine Lee Bates is the soundtrack to planning a road trip, which is an inexpensive alternative to air travel.  Road trips are both enjoyable and historically enlightening.  You would be surprised as to what’s in your backyard.  If you have been thinking of taking a road trip, look no further, we will provide you with several great spots to get some much-needed R & R.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is colder than most vacation spots, but it also offers some of the greatest historical sights in the US.  World-renowned museums, shows, concerts, Red Sox games at World famous Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail.  If you enjoy the bar scene, you could also enjoy Boston’s plethora of pubs, hangouts, and just spend a day barhopping.  Great food balances out the equation. 

The California Coast

Take a direct ride up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco for a great view and an even more amazing feeling.   You can bask in the sun on any beach that permits, check out the Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, the possibilities are as endless as the shoreline. 

New York City

This is hands down one of the places required to visit on your trip (if you haven’t been).  Public transportation to any location is convenient.  The Empire State Building is amazing, Staten Island ferry, Greenwich Village and Soho, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and Times Square make New York City a town chock full of the American dream.  Then when you’re too tired to walk and need a seat, watch a Broadway Show you will be amazed at the production value!

Disney World, Florida

Disney is a land of freedom from adulthood, and a child’s paradise.  It has countless rides and amusement parks, colorful characters of our favorite cartoons, delicious food, and Mickey Mouse!  What more could you ask for?

Grand Canyon, Arizona

One of the greatest national wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking formation of natural beauty.  Views from the South rim, hiking trails, and a rafting tour make The Grand Canyon a stellar vacation spot.  The scene is truly breathtaking.  This should be one location where you should save massive space on your camera memory card.  Say cheese!

Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip.  Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share, or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot?  Feel free to comment below: 

Teenage Driver Tips

Teenage drivers on the road!? That’s a scary thought! It’s even scarier if it’s your kid!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for young people. Teens between the ages of 16 and 20 have the highest traffic fatality and injury rates per 100,000 population, four times higher than that of adults.  Inexperience and lacking skills means that one in five 16-year-old male drivers and about one in ten females will have a crash during their first year of driving. Some of the worst crashes occur at night and with a group of young people in the car. If alcohol or any other kind of impairment is involved, the level of risk is greatly increased.

Here are three tips to help you teach your kids about safety and the rules of the road.

·       “Do as I say. Do as I do.” If you’re telling your child to always wearing a seat belt or to never text and drive, you should practice these rules, too.

·       Enforce Driving Rules: explain what it means to be a safe driver. Having driving rules set for your child to adhere to. The rules should also have consequences if they are not obeyed. If your son doesn’t wear he’s seatbelt, Take away his Xbox, or worse…make him watch Hannah Montana.

·       Teach the traffic safety laws in your state: Many states laws that make it illegal to text and drive.  Driving curfews are also implemented in many states.