Following a tragedy in the community of Winder, Georgia, one Take 5 Oil Change location used its resources to help the community, according to a news release.
On Sept. 4, four students at Apalachee High School lost their lives in a shooting. The incident has impacted the entire Winder community—found nestled in between Athens and Atlanta—with each team member at Winder’s Take 5 Oil Change store knowing someone involved, from teachers to law enforcement.
The store is a franchise location owned by Toxaway Automotive Group, which operates a total of 11 Take 5 Oil Change stores. Following discussions with those in leadership and employees at the Winder store, company President Preston Willard had the idea to offer free oil changes to everyone in the area.
On Sept. 11, the entire leadership team at Toxaway Automotive Group came to the Winder store to assist with the over 160 people that came through for a free oil change.
Many of these individuals were teachers and first responders; one woman who came through told Preston that she had fallen on hard times financially, and her vehicle was the only way she was able to get to her job. With the free service, she was able to afford to safely travel again.
“It wasn’t about us. It was only about helping the community,” said Preston. “This was all about our team in Winder and supporting the local community when they need us.”
