Lexus of Watertown and Toyota of Watertown Join Forces to Benefit Toys for Tots

WATERTOWN, MASS. (12/12/2011)(readMedia)-- Lexus of Watertown and Toyota of Watertown are both partnering with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation this month to brighten the lives of needy children during the holiday season. Customers and the general public alike are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys or cash donations to either Watertown, Massachusetts dealership from now through Thursday, December 22.

This will be the sixth straight year that Lexus of Watertown will be holding a Toys for Tots drive, while Toyota of Watertown will be joining in this year to expand the reach of the program. Lexus of Watertown Service Consultant Chuck Shaw has run Toys for Tots drives for more than 13 years, and he has regularly made his Greater Boston Lexus dealership a top pick up location. Last year, Lexus of Watertown's collection efforts brought in enough toys to fill the back of an RX 350 SUV 10 separate times.

"It's during difficult economic times like these that the community needs to come together the most to provide a little joy for those who are less fortunate," said Shaw. "We've had some great toy drives in the past, and my hope is that this will be our best one yet thanks to the combined effort of both dealerships."

What: Lexus and Toyota of Watertown Toys for Tots Drive

When: Now through Thursday, December 22, 2011

Where: Lexus of Watertown, 330 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA

Toyota of Watertown, 149 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA

Hours: Lexus of Watertown – Mon. – Thurs., 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sat., 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Toyota of Watertown – Mon. – Thurs., 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri. – Sat., 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Contact: Chuck Shaw, 617-393-1188, cshaw@lexusofwatertown.com

"When Chuck asked us to join the toy drive, we jumped at the chance," said Adam Skolnick, general manager of Toyota of Watertown. "It's important for us to do what we can to support those in need, especially children. It only takes a simple gift to make a child's day, and we're going to do all we can at our dealership to make this season truly bright for local kids."

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has conducted nationwide toy drives for needy children since 1948, distributing more than 400 million toys. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps pick up the toys and distribute them in mid-to-late December. They have reached more than 188 million children during the past 63 years.

"On our own, we can only accomplish so much, but as a community, we can make the holidays mean something for hundreds or even thousands of less fortunate children," said Vincent Liuzzi, general manager of Lexus of Watertown. "We'd like nothing more than to see every vehicle in our showroom packed to the roof with gifts. With Chuck's leadership and Toyota of Watertown's help we can help end the year right for kids all over Massachusetts."

About Lexus of Watertown:

Lexus of Watertown is New England's #1 volume Lexus dealer and a recipient of multiple Elite of Lexus awards given annually to dealerships that showcase overall excellence. They have a huge selection of new and certified pre-owned Lexus models, in addition to an exemplary service department that keeps customers coming back. For more information, visit them online at www.lexusofwatertown.com, call them at 888-227-9560, become their fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LexusWatertown, or stop by their showroom at 330 Arsenal Street in Watertown, Massachusetts.

About Toyota of Watertown:

Family-owned since 1957, Toyota of Watertown is the premier Greater Boston Toyota dealer. A multiple-time winner of Toyota's coveted President's Award, they are renowned for their selection and low prices, as well as customer service that is second to none. They strive to make the buyer's automotive experience a positive one for the life of the vehicle. For more information, visit them online at www.toyotaofwatertown.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toyotaofwatertown, call them at 617-926-5200 or visit their showroom at 149 Arsenal Street in Watertown, Massachusetts.