Carolina Auto Auction Employees Really Do Make the Difference

At Carolina Auto Auction the saying is often heard, "All auctions are similar. It's our employees that make the difference." This is what the owner, Henry Stanley, firmly believes, and the saying holds true. Late last year, Carolina Auto Auction continued its tradition with its annual Christmas Toy and Food Drive. Through the generosity of both employees and dealers, Carolina Auto Auction donated enough toys, bikes, games, clothes and food to fill three vehicles. The donations went to Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM) of Anderson, SC, which, in turn gave them to families who desperately needed them. 

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity," said Nancy Henderson, Director of Services for AIM. 

Hugging Carolina's office manager, Wanda Jowers tightly, she offered her thanks to all who had participated. "It really feels like Christmas now," she said. 

Carolina Auto Auction was happy to be a part. But for some employees the annual Toy and Food Drive was just the beginning. Lynn Wilson, Pam McCracken, Jodi Merritt with her husband Brian and his parents Randy and Sybil Merritt, Carol Yates, Kris Gillespie with her husband Billy, Patricia Starnes, Wanda Jowers, and Beverly and Terry Wood wanted to do more. They decided to email Concord Elementary School in Anderson, SC and ask if there was a family in need this Christmas. They were looking for one with just one child, but there was a family with three boys (ages 2, 3 and 11) who had contacted the school needing help, so the group rose to the challenge. 

The school provided a list of what was needed, mostly gifts for the children. The parents didn't request anything for themselves. The ladies and their families divided up the list and went shopping. 

"My husband and I contributed mostly for the two year old," Jodi Merritt said. "My husband's parents wanted to help also, so they purchased items for the two year old as well." When asked why they did what they did, Jodi replied, "I couldn't imagine having a child wake up Christmas morning to find nothing under the tree. It just breaks my heart to think that there are so many children out there that will wake up in those situations. Being a parent now, I understand that Christmas gifts and giving means so much to small children. It made us feel so good to be able to lighten the load and worries of parents who were struggling, and to make this Christmas special for three wonderful children." 

Beverly and Terry Wood, of Wood Auto Sales, handle arbitration problems at Carolina Auto Auction on Wednesdays. They purchased gifts for the 11 year old. Patricia Starnes also purchased items from the list they were given. "I just wanted to make them smile and have a great Christmas," she said. "I am glad that I could be a part of this." 

Kris Gillespie and her husband Billy purchased items from the list for each of the children. They do not have children of their own, so each Christmas they find ways to help children in need. "Every child deserves a visit from Santa," Kris said with a smile. 

"I would do it again," Lynn Wilson said. "It makes you appreciate the real meaning of Christmas." 

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