Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) dealers are at the center of their communities and giving back during the holiday season is no exception to that standard.

From Jeeps on the Run to Fill the Van, dealers across the area rallied their communities to raise money and goods for those in need this holiday season. In its 10th year, Jeeps on the Run, in partnership with Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, once again took over the streets of northern Illinois to bring Jeep lovers together for a good cause. This year’s event was a huge success!

Jeeps on the Run and Ray CDJR had a significant impact in their community:

Ray Scarpelli, president of Ray CDJR and Ray Chevrolet, is also in the running for the TIME Dealer of the Year Award. That ceremony is set to take place at the NADA Show this January.

Jeeps on the Run and Ray CDJR aren’t the only ones raising money and collecting items for Toys for Tots. Dealers from across the area are holding toy drives as well including Arlington Heights Ford, Elgin Hyundai and Apple Chevrolet.

Apple Chevrolet hosted its annual Toys for Tots event on Dec. 10 in conjunction with the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. The day included free food, a live DJ playing holiday music, pictures with Santa, conversations with U.S. Marines and an appearance from ABC 7 Chicago’s Tracy Butler.

By the end of the event they filled three Humvees (large military trucks) with toys for donation.

Advantage Chevrolet of Bolingbrook hosted a “Fill the Van” event this month with the DuPage County Area Project (DuCAP). Now in the 13th year, this partnership sponsors local families in need of food and gifts. The showroom Christmas tree was decorated with families’ wish lists for customers to fulfill.

These are just a few examples of the many generous events happening throughout the Chicagoland area this season. Dealers make a difference and we thank you for all that you do for our communities during the holidays and year-round. Does your dealership or organization deserve to be spotlighted in an upcoming CATA e-Headlines? Let us know.