a bright school gymnasium with tables set up and colorful balloons at the sign in table.
The Subaru Loves to Help event focuses on giving back to the kids in our community by helping them feel confident while playing and growing. To exemplify this, Long Subaru partnered with Operation Warm to bring extra joy to the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Webster/Dudley (BGCWD). 
 
Long Subaru worked with the BGCWD to transform their gymnasium into a bright and fun space with balloons and sneakers in shades of pink, teal, purple, green, and blue to create a great 'shopping' experience. Groups of children were brought in by grade and were paired with a Long Subaru volunteer who helped them find the perfect fit using a foot chart. The excitement was contagious as the kids eagerly tried on the shoes, finding the best pair that matched their style.
 
young girl with a pony tail in a blue BGCWD sweatshirt holding a stich stuffy wearing her new shoesAfter shopping for their new sneakers, the children were then invited to the 'thank you' table. They also could pick out some coloring pages, fruit snacks, and “Message of Confidence” stickers to boost their positivity. Some took the opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation which was a beautiful reminder of the power of kindness.
 
After they finished many of the children couldn’t wait to use their new sneakers to play in. One girl excitedly shared how she could now have these sneakers for play, and she could save her other pair for dance class. Another kid couldn’t wait to show Long Subaru how fast he could run. It was clear that these sneakers not only provided comfort but also inspired confidence and imagination.
 
2 twin boys in black shirts writing thank you notes on a poster board for Long Subaru.
 
As the event wrapped up, many children were already wearing their new sneakers, playing basketball and smiling from ear to ear. The day ended with hugs and thank-yous from the kids, reminding everyone of the impact small gestures can have. The staff of Long Subaru were thanked by BGCWD for their big role in purchasing this gift for the kids. The whole day was a great success due to Long Subaru’s and BGCWD’s staff working together to set up and keeping the energy fun, which made the event run smoothly.
 
Long Subaru’s commitment to giving was evident, and the event was a reminder of the importance of working together as a community. This positive experience left everyone with lasting memories and reinforced Long Subaru’s dedication to keep spreading kindness.