Preston/Cambridge Auto Body helps Hurricane Sandy victims

During the month of November, Preston Auto Body and Cambridge Auto Body made a commitment to assist the victims of Hurricane Sandy on Delmarva by donating 2 percent of their repair orders to the American Red Cross, which provides immediate emergency assistance in times of disasters.

John Culp, community executive for the Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross, said he and his team truly appreciate the support and commitment the local Red Cross receives from those in the community who can and do make a difference.

At the local level, the American Red Cross Delmarva Region supported 25 shelters, housing 1,878 people during the peak of the storm. The Red Cross provided more than 10,000 meals and handed out cleanup kits to local residents. “When we are faced with events like Sandy, you cannot budget for that. The primary concern is to provide immediate help and materials to those in need. After relief is provided, that is when we address the concern of how we will fund the event,” said Culp.

Preston Auto Body and Cambridge Auto Body set a goal to raise $5,000 and on Dec. 10, Brian Grimm, Dave Wilson Sr., David Wilson Jr. and Diana Vincent, all of the Preston Automotive Group, were able to present Culp with a check for $5,040 for the local chapter. “The dedication and constant comfort provided to those in need make the Red Cross such an invaluable member of our community, and the Preston Group is pleased to help them continue their mission,” said Wilson Sr., president of Preston Automotive Group.

The Preston Group will continue to have donation canisters in the service departments for anyone who would like to make a donation. Donations can also be sent to the Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter at PO Box 3714, Salisbury, MD 21801.

The Red Cross is a charitable organization, not a government agency, and it depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, go to www.redcross.org.

Preston Automotive Group and owner Dave Wilson have been very active in the community for nearly three decades. For more information go to www.prestonmotor.com.