An oil change is just an oil change, right?
Not on April 20.
On that day, Miller Autoworks of Payson, Arizona, will donate all money raised from oil changes to Payson Community Kids.
“It helped them support our youth tremendously,” said Steve Miller, owner of the auto shop. “The money raised allowed Payson Community Kids to build their commercial kitchen one year. It has also allowed them to be open an extra day a week.”
Miller has done his Oil Change for Charity for 10 years. He’s done this since he opened.
“I started this within our first 60 days of opening,” he said. “I started this to give back to a town that has given me and my family so much.”
To participate, call and make an appointment. “A person can call and make an appointment at anytime,” he said. “Walk-ins are maybe possible in the afternoon.”
But customers don’t have to have their oil changed on that day at all. “A customer can come in and pay for an oil change, then have it done within one year of the date of purchase,” said Miller. “It just must be prepaid by April 20.”
Miller said, “Last year we were able to raise $6,500 due to the people of this town — and our great vendors that make this possible,” he said.
One of Miller’s mainstay donors is NAPA Auto Parts. He said without their parts, he simply could not put on the event.
This year, David Gray, although a new owner of NAPA, threw in his hat to support the event without question. “I’ve owned the store since Dec. 1,” he said.
He bought the store to get out of the Valley where he worked as the parts manager at the Superstition Springs Chrysler dealership.
Customers will hardly notice a difference, however, because Gray didn’t turn over any staff.
“Kept them all,” he said.
“My wife and I want to get involved,” said Gray. “Our hearts are in to donate back to community.”
When Miller came to Gray, the new owner of NAPA Auto Parts immediately offered to donate $1,500 worth of oil and oil filters for the event.
With a big heart and former service in the Army, Gray should have no trouble fitting in.
This story, by Michele Nelson, first appeared on paysonroundup.com
