Enriching lives and empowering communities are two examples of how Mazda is bringing its core value of being radically human to life. Through the Be Moved program, Mazda is uplifting communities. Many young people find a pathway to thriving based on a strong foundation built in the classroom. As students across the country went back to school this fall, Mazda dealerships nationwide rallied to support them, filling critical gaps in school supply needs and addressing food insecurity.
The act of giving a student a backpack filled with school supplies may seem simple but in reality, it can make a world of difference. Two of our dealerships, Hello Auto Group and Suburban Mazda of Farmington Hills, packed school supplies into backpacks for over 700 students this fall. In partnership with local school districts and Hospitality House, these initiatives gave children what they needed to start the school year with confidence.
“The generosity of this backpack drive made a tremendous difference for the children we serve. For many families, school supplies can be an added financial burden at an already difficult time. Thanks to this support, 375 students in our community were able to start the school year prepared and confident — a gift that goes far beyond the backpacks themselves. We’re so grateful to Suburban Mazda of Farmington and everyone involved for making that possible,” said Susan Erspamer, executive director at Hospitality House Food Pantry.
Ahead of the school year, Mazda of New Rochelle joined forces with the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle to help create nurturing and supportive spaces for students. In addition to giving away laptops and other school supplies, the dealership also donated to help fund after-school programs. These vital after-school programs in education, sports, art, and career development help move underserved youth forward and are a powerful actualization of the Be Moved mission to empower individuals and build stronger, more resilient communities.
“[Mazda of New Rochelle] started our school supply drive three years ago to give back to local schools, and it’s grown into something our whole team looks forward to. It’s inspiring to see our employees come together to support students and teachers—it’s a simple way to make a big impact,” said Georgia Anagnostopoulos, general manager at Mazda of New Rochelle.
Heritage Mazda Towson, on the other hand, is addressing food insecurity head-on in partnership with Weekend Backpacks. Weekend Backpacks is a nonprofit with a mission to improve the lives of students affected by food insecurity in Baltimore by delivering packages of nutritious, child-friendly food to schools weekly. Dealership employees rolled up their sleeves to assemble 1,000 snack bags, which were distributed in over 50 local schools. This hands-on effort not only nourishes bodies but also demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of children, ensuring they have the energy to learn and grow.
“Weekend Backpacks was thrilled to work with our neighbors at Heritage Mazda of Towson. The Heritage Mazda team prepared 1,000 snack bags to be distributed with our weekly meal bags,” said Fred Hassell, executive director of Weekend Backpacks. "Heritage Mazda is located just down the street from our facility, and we look forward to working with the team once again to remind everyone that hunger does not take the weekend off.”
These inspiring stories are just a few ways that Mazda dealerships are living the Be Moved philosophy day in, day out. Uplifting and supporting communities is a team sport from Mazda dealerships to the local nonprofits with which they partner. Coming together in a radically human, authentic way is necessary to continue driving positive change, one community at a time, creating lasting bonds and shaping a better tomorrow.
Employees at Heritage Mazda Towson packing snack bags for students at local school districts.
Backpacks at Mazda of New Rochelle waiting to be filled with supplies.
Suburban Mazda of Farmington Hills employees filling backpacks for Hospitality House.
