An event that coincides with their recent efforts to feed local children in need, Young Subaru and the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation will gather volunteers to assemble 2,000 meal kits for Ogden and Weber’s school districts on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m.

“This year has been filled with several moments where we’ve seen the community come together for a great cause,” said Justin Evrankaya, general manager of Young Subaru. “We’re incredibly grateful for their help with our previous initiatives, as well as this one.  It will have a significant impact in our community.”

Volunteers will work in an assembly line format to fill items known as pantry packs — which contain two days worth of meals and snacks for a child experiencing hunger. Once the items are ready for distribution, Young Caring for Our Young will deliver them to Catholic Community Services, who will distribute them to local schools.

Supplies for the assembly event were gathered during Young Subaru’s “Take A Swing At Hunger” competition. Setting up a boxing arcade machine in their showroom, the dealership provided both customers and volunteers with an opportunity to set a high score for $5 a turn — providing the winner with an iPad Pro. 

All proceeds will be donated to Ogden and Weber’s school districts to purchase food for school pantries. Both districts also competed to raise the most donations in an effort to win a $2,500 prize.

“One of the things we love most about working with Young Subaru is that they find fun elements to add to their charitable efforts,” said Tami Olsen, director of Young Caring for Our Young. “Every organization that strives to make an impact needs to be passionate about what they’re doing. This creativity shows that the Young Subaru team is fueled by their passion to serve their community.”

Once this project has been completed, Young Subaru will have made 4,500 pantry packs this year. Their previous effort occurred during the foundation’s 15,000 pantry pack challenge in August, where the dealership and community partners assembled 2,500 packs.

Young Subaru first joined the 100 year-old Young Automotive Group in 2011. They have not only become one of the company’s highest-performing dealerships, but one of their most charitable as well. This year, they were recognized as one of three finalist’s during the National Auto Dealer Association’s philanthropy pitch competition — a contest created to determine the dealership that best impacted their community.

“Both Subaru and the Young Automotive Group are companies that strive to deliver on a commitment to the community,” said Evrankaya. “It’s been a privilege to bring that dedication to our operation. We’re proud to stand with them, as well as the other organizations that work to better the incredible Ogden area.”