With Christmas just around the corner and winter settling in, the International Subaru of Merrillville partnered with Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana to collect donations of warm blankets, hats, gloves, and scarves that will be delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients.
Known as the Subaru Share the Love Event, the partnership is a nationwide push from Subaru of America and charities across the country. The effort consists of two main aspects, the first being that anyone purchasing a vehicle at the Subaru of Merrillville between November 15 and January 2 will have a $250 donation made in their name to their choice of national and local charities, including Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana.
The second part was Saturday’s collection drive, where all donors of warm winter clothes received a $250 discount on their Subaru purchase or lease. The team at Subaru of Merrillville was proud to join hands with Meals on Wheels for the effort.
“A life without a cause is a life without effect,” said Chris Smith Jr., Sales Manager at International Subaru of Merrillville. “This is a tremendous cause to be associated with, and we’re extremely excited to participate. The fact that people right here in our communities are being impacted by the work that Meals on Wheels does is incredible.”
About 1 in 6 seniors in Indiana struggle with hunger and many others are isolated, living alone, or in an environment that cannot provide them with the warmth to live in comfort during the holidays. Thanks to the Share the Love event, Meals on Wheels can grow the number of seniors they serve and help them find a little extra warmth during the holidays with the clothes that filled a Subaru’s trunk.
“Subaru partnering nationally with Meals on Wheels of America brings in an extraordinary amount of money which then comes back to us locally, where it increases our ability to address hunger across the Region,” said Sandra Noe, Executive Director for Meals on Wheels of NWI. “And of course, these warm and fuzzy items are just a little something to help our seniors feel comfortable and cared for, and that’s what the holidays are all about.”
So far, International Subaru of Merrillville’s Share the Love Event has raised nearly $8,000 for Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. Those funds will help seniors across the Region stay comfortable at home throughout the winter, while the hats and gloves donated by people like Leah Ruth Kensey, who is just about to turn 91, will keep them safe and warm.
“I love to give, and I had a surplus so I thought, let’s share,” Kensey said. “I had a lady in my Sunday school class who volunteered for Meals on Wheels all the time, and it was so fulfilling for her and she got to spread love all over. If I were younger I’d love to do it myself, but I’m glad to donate as it’s the Christian thing to do and I’ve got a heart of love.”
To learn more about the International Subaru of Merrillville, visit subarumerrillville.com. For more about Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, visit mownwi.org.