Auto dealers collect toys

Published 11:41 pm Saturday, December 21, 2013

Duke Automotive won the friendly contest among local auto dealerships to see who could collect the most toys. Pictured with some of the 511 toys amassed are Lydia Duke, Seth Wilson, John Woleben and Eley Duke.

Duke Automotive won the friendly contest among local auto dealerships to see who could collect the most toys. Pictured with some of the 511 toys amassed are Lydia Duke, Seth Wilson, John Woleben and Eley Duke.

Auto dealerships in Suffolk duked it out, shot for the stars and did it like only the man can in their efforts to help Toys for Tots and the Cheer Fund this year.

Duke Automotive won the friendly toy-collecting contest with a total of 511. The toys were gathered around a Christmas tree and stacked precariously in the back of a new pickup in the dealership’s showroom.

“The good old Duke team beat the Starr team again,” Duke Automotive’s Eley Duke said on Friday. “But I don’t care who wins, as long as all the kids get a toy.”

Aaron Duman presents a check on behalf of Mike Duman Auto Sales and its employees to marketing consultant Leanne Hundley for the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund. To contribute to the Cheer Fund, send your check to 130 S. Saratoga St. or bring it by the Suffolk News-Herald at that address. If you bring your check in person, we are available to take your photo and publish it in the newspaper. For more information about the Cheer Fund, call 934-9616.

Aaron Duman presents a check on behalf of Mike Duman Auto Sales and its employees to marketing consultant Leanne Hundley for the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund.

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Down the street a little ways, Starr Motors amassed a collection of about 350 toys.

“It was a little bit slower than it was last year,” said Eddie White of Starr Motors. “But it went pretty good.”

The dealership and Chrysler gave $100 each — a total of $200 — to Toys for Tots for every Town and Country van sold this month. They have sold six so far.

The dealership also gives to the Cheer Fund, White said.

Employees at Mike Duman Auto Sales also contributed to the cause, raising $702 for a check to the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund, which collects money for Toys for Tots.

To contribute to the Cheer Fund, send your check to 130 S. Saratoga St. or bring it by the Suffolk News-Herald at that address.

If you bring your check in person, we are available to take your photo and publish it in the newspaper.

For more information about the Cheer Fund, call 934-9616.