XENIA — Detroit Tire is continuing its tradition of collecting food, clothing and toys for community members during the holiday season.

General Manager Steve Kemper said the tradition faded years back but came to life again three years ago. It’s showed great success over the past two years so they’re back at it again.

The tire and auto service center is collecting non-perishable food items, new clothing, unwrapped toys and personal hygiene products until Tuesday, Jan. 1. Participants can drop off these items under the Christmas tree in their lobby at 968 W. Second St. They’re open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Donated items will be distributed to Family Violence Prevention Center, Interfaith Hospitality Network/Schneider House of Hope and students at Xenia Community Schools whose families are living in transitional housing or experiencing homelessness.

“The biggest thing is we do a lot with the schools,” Kemper said, “to help everyone have a good Christmas and a good meal over the holidays.”

In return for the donations, Detroit Tire will give a $25 gift certificate good for any of their services to people who donate.

“It’s our way of saying thank you,” Kemper said.

Kemper said as Christmas approaches he hopes to see a good response from the drive, which started the day after Halloween.

“We’ll have people that literally come in with two or three shopping bags full of food and they’ll walk out of here before we give them a certificate. It’s really neat,” Kemper said. “We’re happy to do this. We all just don’t like to see people in need if we can help them out.”

By Anna Bolton

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