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Happenings at Virginia Tire & Auto.

In the Community December 26, 2018

A Love for Local: Virginia Charities We’re Passionate About

Virginia charities.

At Virginia Tire & Auto, we’re committed to putting our customers first. To us, this means stepping up in our communities whenever we see a need we can address. We’re proud to give back and work with local Virginia charities and organizations like Shelter House, Saving Loudoun’s/Prince William’s Littles, and Fairfax County Public Schools.

We built our company on a community of helpers and doers — something we don’t want to keep within the walls of our shops.

“Our philosophy is to hire the smile and train the rest. We start with good people.” – Christian Ianni, Learning & Development Manager at Virginia Tire & Auto

We hire the best people — and not just the best technicians. Hiring good people who are passionate about what they do makes our work better and our communities stronger.

Read: Making Decisions: Myron Boncarosky’s Legacy of Putting Customers and Employees First

Here are just a few of the Virginia charities we’re passionate about.

Wheels for Work With Shelter House

At Virginia Tire & Auto, we understand that not having a functioning car can inhibit the movement that many people need to get back on their feet. That’s why we partner with Shelter House, a Fairfax County-based charity that works to help families transition from homelessness to permanent affordable housing, especially if they are victims of domestic violence.

With a single service sometimes totaling over $500, some families cannot afford to make necessary repairs, which prevents them from going to and from work or getting kids to and from school. Through our Wheels for Work program, we’ve been able to provide families in need with free car repair and maintenance. Since the program began, we’ve completed more than $20,000 worth of repairs pro bono.

Mindi Merriam is the Domestic Violence & Support Housing Program Manager at Shelter House, and has worked with Virginia Tire & Auto since she came into her role two years ago.

“Virginia Tire & Auto has gone above and beyond what I and the clients expected. Clients have been appreciative, and it really relieves this financial burden and stress.” – Mindi Merriam, Domestic Violence & Supportive Housing Program Manager with Shelter House

Shelter House awarded Virginia Tire & Auto the title of Community Champion as a result of our efforts, and we’re honored to partner with an organization that helps the members of our community in times of need.

Read: How to Choose a Trustworthy Auto Repair Shop

Virginia Tire & Auto Internship Program with Fairfax County Public Schools

We started our Virginia Tire & Auto Internship Program in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools as part of our dedication to building a better tomorrow for our community. Our 6-week paid internship trains high school students the right way to perform the duties of an auto repair worker. By exposing interns to various career opportunities in the automotive industry, students are able to explore their passions and professional goals.

Virginia Tire & Auto’s internship program gives a full overview of the auto repair industry — from general service and technical work to sales and customer service. Working alongside industry professionals helps our interns learn the ins-and-outs of what it takes to be an automotive technician, while also earning credit towards their high school graduation.

Read: 7 Facts About Company Culture at Virginia Tire & Auto

In 2017, the FCPS Board awarded Virginia Tire & Auto the Virginia School Board Association Business Award for our support in increasing career advancement and creating more connections between schools and local industries. For the last two years, we’ve hired 48% of our graduating interns into part-time positions, giving them the chance to start gaining real-world experience and prepare for the road ahead.

“We are part of these communities. These are our neighbors and friends. We employ their students.” – Christian Ianni, Learning & Development Manager at Virginia Tire & Auto

Around the Community

Our devotion to our community is present in everything we do. We’ll give you the best quality customer and community care. From free car seat checks in partnership with Saving Loudon’s Littles and Saving Prince William’s Littles, to spending an hour or two with local Girl Scout troops to help them earn a merit badge, our staff is always willing to go above and beyond to make our communities safer, smarter, and stronger.

“It’s not uncommon for a master level tech to spend time fixing someone’s go-kart.” – Christian Ianni, Learning & Development Manager at Virginia Tire & Auto

We’ve partnered with local organizations to set up blood drives and worked with students at local high schools to set up auto tech clubs. Our trained and experienced mechanics will even fix up a little pink bike if someone brings it in for repairs.

It’s no secret that we have a deep love for local. With that said, Virginia Tire & Auto’s dedication to service extends beyond the Virginia border. Last year, we donated a significant portion of proceeds from oil changes to the International Justice Mission (IJM). Former Washington Redskins Quarterback and former VTA customer, Kirk Cousins, is a longtime supporter of IJM.

IJM is a Washington, D.C.-based international anti-slavery organization that works to protect the poor from violence and human trafficking throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems.

Whether it’s supporting a neighbor in need or an international cause, we’re a family-owned business that believes in being there for each other. We’d love for you to join us.

Become a part of the Virginia Tire & Auto community today.

No matter which Virginia community you call home, our staff will always be dedicated to doing our best to help our neighbors. Stop by your local shop to learn more about what Virginia Tire & Auto can do in your community today!

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