TOYS FOR TOTS, SULLIVAN COUNTY CASA FUNDRAISER KICK-OFF AT M&M AUTO GROUP DRAWS HUNDREDS OF TOYS, MONETARY DONATIONS

Liberty, N.Y. - Nov. 16, 2011 - Christmas came early to the showroom at M&M Auto Group on Mill Street in Liberty on Saturday with the kick-off of this season's Toys for Tots drive and Sullivan County Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA) fundraiser.

The festivities included not only M&M personnel, but also fellow sponsors Thunder 102, who broadcasted live throughout the afternoon, and a team of volunteer elves from Hilltop Homes in Monticello. Hilltop owner Dave Dunlop generously supplied several Christmas trees and cases upon cases of decorations he picked up after Christmas last year at the Monticello Home Depot. Each of the trees was decorated on Saturday, and will eventually be donated (fully decorated) to needy families in the area.

"We are proud to partner with such wonderful organizations like Thunder 102 and Hilltop Homes," said M&M Auto Group owner Howard Braunstein. "The staff at both really does embody the true spirit of giving."

Dunlop and his family host an amazing Christmas display, "Santa's Village," on their Monticello property that is open to the public at no charge on Dec. 16^th & 17^th from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. It includes an enormous light show, Santa's Workshop, a sleigh, and new this year, the Hilltop Express, a three-car train for the kids. The site also acts as a Toys for Tots drop-off center.

"There is such a need in this community, and these kids didn't ask to be here," said Dunlop. "We all have an obligation to help support them, especially during the holidays. I love Christmas and I'm pleased that we can help make it a joyous season!"

More than 200 toys have already been donated to the M&M drop location, and more than $3000 has been collected to support toy purchases and CASA, which provides volunteers who are appointed by the Family Court Judge to speak up for the needs of abused and neglected children. Several donors include Rolling V Transportation Services, Focus Media, Misner Agency, Progressive Physical Therapy, and Home Depot, with more coming daily (keep watching M&M's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/mmautogroup - for donor updates throughout the campaign).

Last year's M&M Toy Drive brought in donations of roughly 1,500 new, unwrapped toys. Howard and Donna Braunstein matched the donation with the purchase of an additional 1,500 toys in support of the campaign. The goal for this year's campaign is 2000 donated toys, with the Braunsteins once again committed to matching the final tally.

To widen the community involvement, M&M Auto Group is inviting Sullivan County businesses and service organizations to sponsor a tree in M&M's showroom on behalf of CASA. The sponsored tree can act as a "drop" point for organizations interested in collecting toy donations to benefit Toys for Tots, although it isn't required. If you are an interested organization, please call Thunder 102 Marketing/Promotions Manager Regina Hensley at 845.292.7535 for more information.

Donations will be accepted in the M&M Auto Group showroom during business hours. For more information about Sullivan County CASA, visit www.sullivancountycasa.org or call 845.807.0672. For more information about M&M Auto Group's Toys for Tots drive, visit www.mmautogroup.com or call 845.292.3500.