Auto Repair & Maintenance Center Holds Clothing Drive to Benefit Local Children

GENEVA, Ill.--Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops announced the official kickoff of their annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ winter clothing drive. The program, which runs from November 1 through December 11, 2007, initially began as a way for Merlin franchisees and employees to give back to the communities. This year marks 16 years of Merlin shops throughout Illinois and southern Wisconsin collecting winter clothing and outerwear for children and, in turn, donating it to their charity partner, Children's Home + Aid.

Clothing donations can be dropped off between November 1 and December 11 at any Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop located in Illinois or southern Wisconsin. Winter outerwear items that are most needed include new and like-new coats, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, sweaters, pants, and socks to fit children ages newborn to 18 years old. Like-new clothing should have little visible wear and tear, be clean and free of stains, have no holes, frays or missing buttons, and have working zippers.

“There are many children in need of warm clothing for the coldest months ahead, and we are asking residents to help us with our efforts to collect new and like-new warm winter attire,” said Frank Smola, Merlin's President. “Beautiful warm clothes helps build children's self-esteem and will also help them be better prepared to attend school and play outdoors in cold weather.”

On December 12, 2007, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the donations to numerous Children's Home + Aid Family Centers. Founded in 1883, Children's Home + Aid's mission is to give help, hope, and opportunity to children with a variety of emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. Each year they help more than 40,000 children and families overcome obstacles such as poverty, abuse, neglect and achieve healthy family structures and self-sufficiency.

For more information, visit www.merlins.com.