Lydia Duke, president of Duke Automotive, was looking for a way to thank her customers for their business.

So this year, people who bought or serviced their vehicles at Duke Automotive will receive holiday cards letting them know that the dealership has made a $1,000 contribution in their honor to the Suffolk Cheer Fund.

&uot;We’ve been in business for 34 years …and we have a lot of loyal customers,&uot; Duke said. &uot;We wanted to do something to thank them …and could think of no more appropriate way than making a donation to the Cheer Fund.

&uot;The Cheer Fund touches everybody.&uot;

All money raised through the Suffolk News-Herald’s annual holiday fund drive is earmarked for the Suffolk Toys For Tots program, which will be providing toys for up to 3,000 underprivileged children this Christmas.

Duke opted to make the contribution to the Cheer Fund because it benefits so many children in the city.

&uot;I sometimes feel like young people have a lot of hard knocks,&uot; she said.

&uot;It’s the little fellows who enjoy Christmas the most. The child in all of us comes out during the holiday season.&uot;

Duke challenged other local car dealerships to contribute to the Cheer Fund.

&uot;I would love to see them match our donation,&uot; she said. &uot;This is a great way we can give back to our community.&uot;

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com