Gathering volunteers for a charitable effort at their XL Centerville dealership, Young Powersports will partner with the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation to fill 400 backpacks with living essentials for teens experiencing homelessness on Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m.

“Every opportunity we have to give back is treasured across our company,” said Jeramie Young, director of Young Powersports. “We’re grateful to partner with Young Caring for Our Young and the local education foundations to be a part of something that betters our community.”

The initiative — which began four years ago — is funded by each Young Powersports dealership. During their annual event, the company organizes volunteers into assembly lines, where they fill backpacks with clothing, blankets, sweats and other essential items. 

Following the event, Young Caring for Our Young will distribute the backpacks to teen drop-in centers across Utah — a series of facilities that provide students with vital access to laundry, showers, computers, food and support staff. 

“We’re passionate about this event, and are thrilled with the amount of support we receive from our partners and the community at large.” said Tami Olsen, director Young Caring for Our Young. “The development of teen drop-in centers throughout the state is critical to the stability and dignity of the young people in need. By sending these backpacks to these centers,  we’re helping some of the most vulnerable children in our community.”

Guests at the event will include members of the Davis Chamber of Commerce as well as Centerville city mayor Clark Wilkinson. Members of the Davis, Weber and Ogden’s education foundations as well as Weber State athletes and coaches will also attend.

Both divisions of the Young Automotive Group, Young Powersports and Young Caring of Our Young are currently celebrating the company’s 100th year of business. Founded by Seldon “Jack” Olsen in 1924, the business has expanded from a single location to over 30 franchises across Utah, Idaho and Montana.

“We’re a company that values tradition, and I think that’s one of the reasons why holding a charitable event like this is so special during our 100th year,” said Young. “This speaks to our identity as a company that strives to be more than a business. We know that our success wouldn’t be possible if we weren’t part of an amazing community, and that fuels a passion to be a force for good.”