Rallying donors and businesses throughout the area to support children in need, Young Mazda Missoula has launched a coat drive that will benefit local schools.
“What’s made us excited about this initiative is the opportunity to help families and schools plan ahead,” said Margaret Junkermier, CX coordinator at Young Mazda Missoula. “As the weather warms, we hope to connect with parents whose kids are growing out of their winter clothes, and who are looking to put their items to great use.”
Setting up collection bins at numerous locations, the dealership has issued a public request for new and gently used winter apparel. Individuals who’d like to get involved have been invited to either drop off a donation or make a monetary contribution, which will go towards the Young Automotive Group’s nonprofit, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation.
The initiative — which has gained the support of the Missoula Children’s Theatre, MOR4Kids and Young Powersports — is set to run from now until the end of May. Once the contributions have been gathered, Young Mazda Missoula will store the donations at their dealership until winter. Items will then be distributed to local schools, with focus going to those who are most in need.
To add to the collected apparel, Young Caring for Our Young will use the funds they’ve received to purchase new winter clothes for the effort.
“As a foundation, we recognize that what makes access to quality clothing essential extends beyond protection from the elements,” said Kellee Belnap, director of Young Caring for Our Young. “What we wear instills us with pride and confidence. We hope that through these donations, we can not only help keep kids warm, but provide them with a way to play outside with friends and explore what’s out there.”
A franchise that joined the Young Automotive Group in 2023, Young Mazda Missoula’s coat drive adds to their reputation as a charitable presence in the community. Shortly after their acquisition, the dealership donated clothing and living essentials to Hawthorne Elementary, and participated in the Cans The ‘Cats food drive.
“Part of what makes working for the Young Automotive Group meaningful is their commitment to giving back and making community involvement a priority,” said Junkermier. “We’re encouraged to get out into the community, which is why when I had this idea, I knew we could get support. We look forward to seeing what happens with this endeavor.”
Those interested in contributing to the coat drive can drop off a donation at one of the following destinations:
- Young Mazda Missoula
- Young Grizzly Harley-Davidson/Young Powersports Missoula
- Young Powersports Missoula South (formerly Five Valley Honda Yamaha)
- Missoula Children’s Theatre
- MOR4Kids
