Chrysler Group Elves Work Overtime to Make the Season Brighter for Children and their Families

December 19, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Hundreds of Chrysler Group LLC elves (a.k.a.. employees and dealers), with the support of The Chrysler Foundation, have been working overtime to make the holiday season brighter for children and their families through toy drives and other charitable initiatives.

At the Company’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group elves delivered thousands of new, unwrapped toys and other merchandise to several local charitable organizations. Over the next few days, those organizations, specifically, the Coalition on Temporary Shelter; Focus: HOPE; Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development (LaSED); Oakland Family Services; The Salvation Army of Macomb; and Toys for Tots will distribute the gifts to children in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties.

“We strive to make serving the community part of our everyday mission at Chrysler Group,” said Jody Trapasso, Senior Vice President - External Affairs, Chrysler Group LLC and President of The Chrysler Foundation. “We’re humbled that, once again, our employees and dealers have generously given to help make the holiday season happy and bright for their neighbors.”

In Ohio, the elves at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Machining Plant delivered hundreds of gifts to children of Family House shelter, and as an added surprise, a magician and Santa Claus joined in the festivities. The presents will be distributed to 45 children residing in the shelter and to those participating in After Care, a supportive program for former Family House residents who have found independent housing.

Meanwhile, building on a decade long tradition, Chrysler Canada’s Windsor Assembly Plant employees helped brighten the holidays for many area families with Windsor and Essex County’s largest toy drive. Six Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans were stuffed full of holiday joy with brand new toys outside of the Windsor Assembly Plant. The holiday initiative, which benefits “Sparky’s Toy Drive,” has grown year-after-year, becoming a staple of the plant’s commitment to giving back to the local community.

Chrysler Group dealers are also focused on making a difference this holiday season.

Chrysler Group’s Mid-Atlantic Business Center (MABC) and its dealers aim to raise thousands of dollars for Toys for Tots. The MABC will donate $100 to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for every 2013 and 2014 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan sold throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, which covers Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia. Additionally, all 259 Mid-Atlantic region dealers will also serve as toy drop-off locations.

“This is our third holiday season partnering with Toys for Tots and it has been a heartwarming experience helping to put smiles on the faces of those less fortunate in our communities,” said Carlos Jimenez, Director - Chrysler Group LLC Mid-Atlantic Business Center. “Our dealers have jumped on board every year to help make this partnership a huge success; and it has been a great way for us to say thanks to the people who have supported us throughout the year.”

Finally in Texas, the Ram Truck brand, with the support of the company’s Southwest Business Center in Dallas, delivered mounds of fresh man-made snow, a new 2014 ProMaster 2500 Series Cargo Van filled with toys, diapers and other supplies, plus a $25,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to support injured United States military personnel and their families at the Warrior & Family Support Center (W&FSC) at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC).

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The donations, which were presented to the Air Warrior Courage Foundation, were timed to coincide with the W&FSC’s annual holiday party, making for a festive celebration like none other.

“The Ram Brand considers it an honor and a privilege to provide  the all-new 2014 ProMaster van to support service members and their families who have played a vital role in in keeping America safe and free,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand. “In recognition of their distinguished service and personal sacrifices, we’ve customized the exterior of this ProMaster van with an American flag – inspired vehicle wrap that is sure to get noticed.”

About The Chrysler Foundation
The Chrysler Foundation, the charitable arm of Chrysler Group LLC, has established a proud legacy of empowering people in the communities where we live and work. The Chrysler Foundation focuses on four key areas through its grant application process and volunteer activities: Education: K-12 and post-secondary education initiatives that encourage the study and pursuit of careers in business, design, science, technology, engineering, mathematics or supply-chain management; Military: support for our nation’s service members and their families in need; Multicultural / Diversity: initiatives that promote inclusion and advancement opportunities for diverse populations; and Youth Development: organizations and programs that provide mentoring and related assistance to aid youth in the transition to adulthood.

Since its inception in 1953, The Chrysler Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in charitable grants.