Northwest Philly auto-repair shop collecting canned goods for the needy

A Midas location on the cusp of West Oak Lane is using a classic-car show, community day and food drive to help local families on Thanksgiving and beyond.

Through Nov. 16, the Midas location at 8141 Ogontz Ave. is collecting canned goods through a partnership with Philabundance which started Oct. 1.

To do so, it is one of seven locations offering free oil changes and tire rotations to customers who donate at least eight “priority items” including pantry staples like canned chili and ravioli, canned tuna, fruit cocktail, hot cereal and creamy peanut butter.

As of last week, the locations have collected more 100 pounds of food, with the Germantown location leading the way in collecting half of that tally.

Weekend event

On Nov. 9, the business’ parking lot will turn into the site of a classic car show and community gatherning featuring free food (donated by Autozone), face painting, a DJ, and raffled-off prizes donated by the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC).

The classic cars in the car show will be provided by Universal Motor Sports Association, a Mt. Airy based non-profit car club.

“We’re giving customers the option to drop-off whenever, but we’re mostly trying to get people to come out that day,” said Kristen Conway, assistant manager, of an event geared towards collecting more canned goods. “I could have done it anywhere, I could have done it at the Roxborough location, but I feel a special connection to this area. I know this community is willing to help.”