Palmiero Toyota, in Meadville, Pennslyvania, went the extra mile during its 14th annual Give Back Program by setting up an assembly line of kindness that distributed $65,125 to 48 local nonprofits.
Every year, from early November to the Saturday before Giving Tuesday, the Palmiero dealership doubles as a polling center for an election in which all candidates are local nonprofits. Following the organizations’ registration, the public can visit Palmiero to vote for their preferred charities. This year, more than 3,200 votes were cast in the contents.
Along with French Creek Recreational Trails, Palmiero’s chosen nonprofit, each organization received $5,000 thanks to $10,000 in matching contributions from Toyota.
The votes that determined the donation recipients mattered a lot, just like the donations themselves. PA Stitchers of Valor and Active Aging’s Pets Assistance and Wellness for Seniors program were separated by just one vote. Active Aging’s program provides food for seniors’ pets and assists with veterinary costs. Close behind by only one vote was Operation Christmas Child, which provides shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to children worldwide affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, famine, and disease.
A single vote held significant weight at the opposite end of the spectrum. Brian Harrison, Vice President of Palmiero, stated that companies with one to 50 votes received $500, an increase from the previous year’s $250. Qualifying for the Give Back Program with just one vote was also possible.
Harrison explained that Toys for Tots also benefited from the initiative. The dealership offered extra votes to individuals who brought an unwrapped item to donate to Toys for Tots halfway through the competition.
The Academy Theatre and the Pregnancy Center of Meadville each received a grant of $2,500 after receiving more than 150 votes. Seton Catholic School, WINS Project, French Creek Community Theater, and St. James Haven, all received a grant of $2,000 each for receiving 100 to 150 votes.
