Maryland-based Economy RV kicked off the holiday season by giving back to the dealership’s local community during the its fourth annual food and toy drive Nov. 18.
Economy RV owner Scott Purcell, said the event, which supports Toys for Tots and the Southern Maryland Food Bank, raised $10,000 in donations that the dealership matched. The drive also collected 2,500 pounds in food and six boxes filled with toys. The donated food will support 960 families.
Purcell has been selling RVs since age 14. He said the dealership donates to community hospitals and veteran’s homes throughout the year. The food and toy drive is his staff’s favorite, he said.
“What we like about it, is everything stays down here to the three main Southern Maryland counties…basically we’re helping out our neighbors,” Purcell said.
The idea for holding a holiday drive came to Purcell about six years ago after he bought 250 boxes of dinners to donate. He thought, “Why can’t I collect food and toys?”
The drive means a lot to everyone involved because they know people are hurting and they want to help where they can, Purcell said. A local radio station joins the dealerships’ effort each year.
The first year Economy RV held the drive, an employee said, ‘my gosh, it just feels so good,’ he said.
Last Friday, a little girl came to the lot with her mom to donate $43 in birthday money, Purcell said.
“It is awesome. I think it shows that you are not just a dealership wanting to take their money. It shows that you are actually trying to give back to the community,” Purcell said. “I think customers see that and really appreciate it.”
The events have a positive impact on sales. He said customers have walked the lot during a food drive and come back the next year to purchase an RV.
Purcell recommends organizing a holiday event to all RV dealers.
“It has definitely helped out. This is the best advertisement you can get,” he said.
