Roseburg Lithia Dealerships Raise Food and Money for Local Charity

Lithia dealerships extend a helping hand to area's needy over the holidays

ROSEBURG, Ore., Nov. 29 -- Once again, the time of year for celebration and good cheer is upon us, and families gather together to give thanks for their blessings. And, although many families have different reasons to be thankful, the Roseburg Lithia dealership family believes that the one universal holiday tradition is the sharing of wonderful, delicious food. Unfortunately, not all area families have the resources required for an elaborate meal. That's why the local Lithia dealerships are matching pound for pound the total weight in food donations brought into their dealerships.

Lithia Ford of Roseburg and Lithia Dodge of Roseburg are participating in the 2006 UCAN program between November 24 and December 31. Competing against one another, Lithia Ford of Roseburg and Lithia Dodge of Roseburg are determined to out donate each other with the most canned goods (pound for pound) to the UCAN program. Both dealerships will have trucks available on their lots in order to collect the canned goods. Each dealership will then match pound for pound the total weight in food donations brought into their stores. Monetary donations are also welcome. Every dollar donated equates to seven pounds of food. The donations are then distributed to a number of the local Hunger Relief Agencies that are part of the Food Bank Network. All area residents, as well as the entire Douglas County are welcome and encouraged to participate in the UCAN program.

"It's extremely moving to see our community pull together for those in need this holiday season. The UCAN program is a household name here in Roseburg and it is our pleasure to pitch in," said Dave Estes, Multi Store Manager of the Roseburg Lithia stores. "The program's success is due to the countless volunteers and their personal efforts to reach the community's underprivileged. Even though this is our first program for UCAN, we hope to contribute in the years ahead."

"We are so pleased and appreciative of all of the support we receive," said Tom Kelley, Director of UCAN in Douglas County. "We are continually astounded by the generosity of this community. For Lithia to implement such an aggressive program for Douglas County's underprivileged is extraordinary!"

Suggested food items include: dry goods: macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, dry beans (kidney, pinto, sml. whites), baking mixes (Bisquick), pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, egg noodles), flour, rice; entree type foods: peanut butter, pork and beans, tuna, chili, soups (canned or dried), canned spaghetti, ravioli; fruits and fruit juices: any economical canned fruit or juice; dairy products: milk (non-fat dry milk); and baby foods: formula, canned foods, and dried foods. Unfortunately home canned products are not accepted.

UCAN is a private non-profit Community Action Agency which was founded in 1969 and operates in all parts of Douglas and Josephine counties, Oregon. UCAN promotes resources and opportunities that increase the self sufficiency of low income persons in Douglas and Josephine counties. Through the operation of programs and in partnerships with other agencies, UCAN strives to alleviate poverty and to impact the quality of life for elderly, poor, and disabled individuals. In Douglas County alone, 40 percent of the people served by UCAN agencies are children, 30 percent of households have at least one person working, 91 percent of households served live below the poverty level and 33 percent of households served are two-parent families. UCAN Food Shares provides food to agencies serving low-income people, including: 14 food pantries and 11 community kitchens.

For more on the program or our dealerships, visit us on the web at http://www.lithia.com/ or call any of the Roseburg Lithia stores.