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Auto Repair and Maintenance Shops Launch Annual Snug Hugs for
Kids
™ Winter Clothing Drive
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People encouraged to donate new and like-new clothing for cause
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ST. CHARLES, IL (Grassroots Newswire) October 13, 2009
living in the U.S. come from families with incomes below the poverty level, according to the National
Center for Children in Poverty. Each year, thousands of these children face blustery, cold winters
without coats, boots, or even hats and gloves. But, people can lend a helping hand this year by
participating in Merlin’s Snug Hugs for Kids
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops are encouraging individuals and groups to donate new and likenew
children’s winter outerwear and clothing for the annual drive. Winter items that are needed most
include new and like-new coats, boots, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, sweaters, pants, and socks
sized to fit children ages newborn to eighteen years old. Donations can be dropped off from
November 1
Snug Hugs for Kids
benefits Merlin’s charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid.
“This initiative is very near and dear to our hearts, and each year we are impressed by the
donations from individuals and groups throughout the nation,” said Frank Smola, president of the
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops chain. “For many children, these donations may determine whether or not
they will have the proper clothing this winter, and with the public’s generous donations, we can help
these kids stay warm throughout the coldest months.”
On December 10, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the clothing
to strategically located Children’s Home + Aid Family Centers in Illinois and to their affiliates in
Wisconsin. Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a leader in responding to the changing
needs of disadvantaged children and families in Illinois, and they are recognized as a leading
provider of quality programs and services to children and families in need. More information about
Children’s Home + Aid can be found at
Through the flagship Snug Hugs for Kids
subsidiary program called Kids Helping Kids
and community youth groups to collect winter clothing as a group for their less fortunate peers with
the option of earning a collectible badge. In addition, crafters lend a helping hand through another
subsidiary program called the Crochet & Knit-A-Thon
winter clothing. For more information about Snug Hugs for Kids
Mile Shops, please visit
– An estimated 39 percent of children™ Winter Clothing Drive.st through December 9th at Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops locations. Now in its 18th year,™ has collected and delivered more than 180 tons of usable clothing whichwww.childrenshomeandaid.org.™ drive, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops also conduct a™. This program encourages Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts,™, where people collectively knit and crochet™ and to find a list of Merlin 200,000www.merlins.com.
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About Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops
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Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops offer a neighborhood approach to automotive service. THE DRIVE FOR
200,000, Merlin’s EASY AND AFFORDABLE maintenance program, supports vehicle owners
hundreds of thousands of miles beyond the usual manufacturer’s warranty period and has positioned
Merlin as the leader in vehicle longevity. Founded in 1975, Merlin is headquartered in St. Charles,
Illinois, and operates shops in four states.
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