America’s Car-Mart in Milledgeville delivered 188 toys to Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, part of the Atrium Health Levine Children’s family, in Macon.
“This is our 17th year as a company doing an annual toy drive and my fourth year in Milledgeville leading this initiative,” said Milledgeville General Manager Jae Minor. “This is a passion project for me each year.”
In November, America’s Car-Mart began collecting donations in preparation for the holiday season. As an incentive, when customers brought in two new, unwrapped toys, they could qualify for a used vehicle for $499 down on select vehicles.
“Giving back to our community and being involved is a core value of the company,” said Minor. “It was one of the reasons I began working here.”
Minor stated that on her first delivery four years ago, she was met with a mother and her son in a wagon preparing to go into surgery.
“He was a little grumpy, likely tired from everything he had been going through. I offered him a toy from our donations and at first he was resistant but I let him pick a toy instead and it changed,” said Minor. “At that moment, I think he forgot about what he was doing.
To see the joy as he was playing with it and how it eased his discomfort, that vision is why we do this drive annually.”
Minor stated it is about making an impact in one child’s day for as many children as they can reach each year. Toys are delivered directly to hospital staff, though on rare occasions America’s Car-Mart staff were able to meet with the children over the years.
“I want to extend a huge thank you from not just our team but these kids.
During a time when they (the kids) should be home with their families and surrounded by joy, I think something as simple as a toy can bring healing smiles,” said Minor.
As part of their community outreach for the holidays, the Milledgeville dealership also partnered with the Baldwin County Board of Education to make pancakes Dec. 19 for the school district. Over 100 students were served breakfast.
“We will continue to connect with our community next year. We are grateful for each and every connection and change we make,” said Minor.