Across the country students are embarking on a new school year. While coronavirus has continued to impact school procedures and formats, America’s franchised new-car dealers remain committed to supporting education in the local communities where they live and work. From supporting teachers to donating directly to schools, dealers know the value of education in helping the next generation. Here are some examples.

Laird Noller Ford in Topeka, Kan., recently donated $20,000 to Topeka Public Schools in memory of the dealership’s recently deceased namesake. “Laird was always a big part of the community and he knew, without the community, we would not be here the 60-plus years we have been,” said Chelsea Ramirez, Laird Noller Ford business development manager. The dealership’s most recent donation will be used for uniforms and other supplies for students at Lowman Hill College Prep Academy.

In Lynchburg, Va., William Marvin Bass Elementary School received support from a local auto dealer with a $3,000 grant from Terry Subaru.

To thank Lakeview Middle School in Cortland, Ohio, Apostolakis Honda presented a $2,000 check to the school. The school’s principal plans to use the dealership’s donation to support the education for students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In advance of the 2021-2022 school year, Apostolakis Honda donated school supplies to students at the middle school as students prepared to get back in the classroom.

Holmes Honda in Shreveport, La., also provided school supplies to local students. The dealership recently donated 300 backpacks filled with school supplies for local families. “Our goal here at Holmes Honda is to make things easy and make the school year easier for families during these difficult times. We are really excited to have this for the community,” said Holmes Honda general sales manager Cody Crowder.

Meanwhile, Haddad Auto of the Berkshires made a donation to the teachers that shape the lives of students. The Pittsfield, Mass. based dealership group, which includes Toyota, Subaru, Hyundai and Nissan franchises, recently donated $4,000 to support teachers of Berkshire County. The donation will offer eight teachers $500 each to use toward their classroom wish lists.

“Our teachers were asked to go above and beyond the last year. They already do so much for our kids. We would like to help make this school year a little easier for them,” said Haddad Auto Group president George Haddad.

These are a handful of ways local dealerships support teachers and students across the country. As a new school year kicks off with some uncertainty, one thing is for sure: Dealers will continue to support education.