“Doing it for the holiday magic” summarizes OPENLANE’s enthusiasm for participating in America’s Car-Mart 15th annual Holiday Toy Drive. OPENLANE (formerly BacklotCars), is a digital marketplace for buying and selling used vehicles leveraged by Car-Mart, is donating $5,000 worth of toys for delivery to the Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
When OPENLANE saw the piles of toys at various Car-Mart dealerships in 2021, they were inspired to help. They delivered over 350 toys to Children’s Health last year, motivating them to continue ‘delivering the magic’ this year.
“We want to help the children. We want them to remember it’s okay to be a kid, even in the hospital,” says Alyshia Tetrick, Director of Strategic Operations, OPENLANE. “We can’t imagine their day-to-day struggles. It’s a challenge for the entire family. We want to create some special memories for them. That’s why we want to be involved with Car-Mart’s toy drive.”
“During the holidays, these toys provide relief for the whole family by taking one worry off their minds,” Alyshia adds.
“We are so grateful to Car-Mart and OPENLANE for generously supporting our patients and families,” says Claire Bowen, Associate Development Officer, Children’s Medical Center Foundation. “We serve 300,000 unique patients annually from all across the country. The toys will help our patients throughout the year by filling our playroom and holiday gift list and providing comfort and joy.”
Shop ‘til you drop
It’s a shopping extravaganza when Car-Mart associates and OPENLANE employees shop for toys. “We see who can fill up the carts the fastest and be more creative,” smiles Alyshia. “The shopping is amazing to see what $1,000 can do, let alone $5,000. That’s a lot of toys!”
When shopping, Alyshia, mother to two toddlers, thinks about what her children would like. “But you have to think about what would be best for kids in the hospitals,” she says. “You have to get creative and find stimulating toys, such as games that have them interact with others.”
OPENLANE in the community
The spirit of giving is strong at OPENLANE, according to Alyshia. The company shares Car-Mart’s values of community involvement. OPENLANE is a sponsor of the annual charity auction at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) that raises money for the NADA Foundation and benefits Canine Companions for Independence. The company hosts an annual foodless food drive across North America and Europe and supports Habitat for Humanity, as well as other local community initiatives. Additionally, OPENLANE employees are given paid time off for volunteering and community service.
“At OPENLANE, we’re always looking for ways to give back to the community,” Alyshia says. “Car-Mart’s toy drive is a significant part of our community involvement efforts. We want to spread some holiday cheer by giving away something as basic as toys.”
“It’s great to partner with Car-Mart in a different kind of atmosphere and partnership. We have fun and deliver cheer and magic with the Car-Mart team,” concludes Alyshia. “To do something like this with one of our trusted partners is wonderful. Joining Car-Mart and their toy drive is super special.”
Give a Toy, Share the Joy
During our Holiday Toy Drive 2023, enjoy $699 Down on select vehicles when you bring in 6 new, unwrapped toys (valued at $10 each).
All toys will be donated to area children’s hospitals.
*On retail vehicles priced at $16,999 or less. With approved credit. See dealer for details. This promotion may not be combined with any other promotional offer. Example: $699 down. 182 weekly payments of $7.42 per $1,000 financed at 18% APR. Interest rates may vary by state of purchase.
Get Involved with our Holiday Toy Drive
For sponsorship opportunities with Car-Mart’s toy drive, contact Veronica Lynch at [email protected]. If you want to donate a toy or two, drop them off at your nearest Car-Mart before Saturday, December 9.
