Let’s Book It: Supporting Local Families This Back-to-School Season. As the back-to-school season approaches, auto dealers, service centers, tire dealers, and quick lubes across the Ask Patty Nation have a unique opportunity to support their local communities, particularly local moms who often juggle numerous responsibilities during this busy time. By offering practical services, safety tips, and community engagement initiatives, your businesses can make a significant positive impact. Here’s how you can best serve your communities during the back-to-school season.

Back-to-School Season

Hosting a School Supply Drive

One impactful way auto-related businesses can support their community is by hosting a school supply drive. This initiative can help ensure that every student starts the school year with the necessary supplies, easing the financial burden on many families.

  1. Set Up Collection Points: Establish collection points at your business location where customers and community members can drop off school supplies. Clearly label these areas and promote them through signage and staff.
  2. Partner with Local Schools: Coordinate with local schools to determine the most needed items and to arrange the distribution of the collected supplies.
  3. Spread the Word: Use social media, email newsletters, and in-store promotions to spread the word about the school supply drive. Encourage your customers and employees to participate by donating supplies or funds.

Sharing Back-to-School Safety Tips on Social Media

Back-to-school season means more traffic, especially in school zones. Sharing safety tips on social media can help raise awareness and keep the community safe. Here are some tips to share:

  1. General Safety Tips: Remind drivers to slow down in school zones, watch for children crossing the street, and be cautious around school buses.
  2. School Zone Speed Limits: Highlight the importance of adhering to reduced speed limits in school zones.
  3. Bus Safety: Educate drivers on the rules regarding stopping for school buses when their stop signs are extended.
  4. Pedestrian Awareness: Encourage drivers to stay alert for young pedestrians, especially around schools and neighborhoods.
  5. Teen Driver Safety: Offer advice for families with new teen drivers, emphasizing the importance of following traffic rules and being cautious.

If you’re already an AskPatty member check out the Social Media Shareables available ready to use. By consistently sharing these tips on social media using relevant hashtags like #BackToSchool, #DriveSafe, and #BookItBack, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to community safety.

Offering Back-to-School Vehicle Checkups

Ensuring that family vehicles are in top condition is crucial for safe travels during the school year. Offering back-to-school vehicle checkups can be a valuable service for local moms and families.

  1. Promote Special Offers: Offer discounts on essential maintenance services such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and battery checks. Promote these offers through social media, email campaigns, and in-store signage.
  2. Conduct Safety Inspections: Provide free or discounted safety inspections focusing on critical aspects like tire tread, brake performance, and fluid levels. Ensure that customers leave with vehicles that are safe and reliable.
  3. Educate Customers: Use this opportunity to educate customers about the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Provide tips on maintaining their cars throughout the school year to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
  4. Host a Car Maintenance Workshop: Consider hosting a workshop for local moms and families, teaching them basic car maintenance skills. This can empower them with knowledge and confidence in handling minor car issues.

Engaging with the Community

Beyond these specific initiatives, building a strong connection with the community can create lasting positive relationships. Here are some additional ways to engage:

  1. Sponsor Local Events: Support school events, sports teams, or local festivals. Your involvement shows that you care about the community’s well-being.
  2. Volunteer: Organize volunteer days where your staff can participate in community service projects, such as helping out at local schools or community centers.
  3. Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with other local businesses to offer combined promotions or events that benefit the community, such as back-to-school fairs or safety demonstrations.

All the automotive business across the Ask Patty Nation have a unique role to play in supporting local communities during the back-to-school season. By hosting school supply drives, sharing safety tips on social media, and offering back-to-school vehicle checkups, you can provide valuable assistance to local moms and families. Engaging with the community through sponsorships, volunteer work, and partnerships will further strengthen these efforts, showcasing your commitment to making the back-to-school season smoother and safer for everyone.