“Drive Change: Number One Auto’s ‘Jam the Van!’ Boosts Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program”

For almost three decades, Number One Auto has stood as the leading independent dealership in north-central West Virginia, and is also recognized as one of the finest independent dealerships across the whole state. Established by Sid Phillips in 1995, this family-run business has involved Sid’s son, Shea, for the last 18 years.

Their guiding principle is straightforward: “We assist individuals.” This autumn, their commitment evolved further when they devised a distinctive method to give back to the community.

“We aimed to organize a toy and clothing drive for children to spread more joy on Christmas morning for families who have been facing financial hardships,” Sid shared. “Initially, we were uncertain what that would entail, but we understood we wanted it to be enjoyable and unique.”

When Sid and Shea acquired an old, neglected Ford cargo van last summer, the concept for JAMtheVAN! was conceived. “It was merely sitting there with minimal worth, and I thought: JAMtheVAN! We can stuff this old, unattractive van with toys and clothes, then donate them to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program,” Shea explained.

However, as with everything Sid and Shea undertake, they needed to discover a way to transform this event into something enjoyable, distinctive, and exhilarating.

“When in your life did you believe you would ever have the chance to spray graffiti and not face arrest for it? Well, all donors to our cause got to select a neon can of spray paint and go crazy, decorating the van with any designs they could imagine (as long as it was suitable for all audiences!). Children of every age had a fantastic time doing that, and it was delightful to observe,” Shea noted.

In just under two months, Number One Auto accumulated 465 items of clothing (coats, garments, socks, etc.), 425 toys, and six bicycles donated to their initiative. A segment of these contributions enabled them to completely outfit a total of 28 angels for their Christmas. Due to JAM the VAN!, the Buckhannon Salvation Army was able to meet the needs of all their angels.

“We cannot express enough gratitude to the residents of Upshur County for their enthusiasm towards our event,” Sid stated. “The people in this community are incredibly charitable and magnanimous, and we were fortunate to observe that over the past two months.”

Melissa Vaughn from the North Central West Virginia Salvation Army expressed that having Number One Auto as a collaborator this year was truly fantastic.

“The Salvation Army of North Central West Virginia is incredibly thankful to Number One Auto for their innovative approach in assisting hundreds of children in North Central WV,” Vaughn mentioned. “Their initiative to form JAM the VAN! as a means of bringing citizens together through our Angel Tree Program is brilliant. The Salvation Army NCWV extends profound and heartfelt thanks to Number One Auto for their essential cooperation via our Angel Tree Program. Not only did they gather toys and clothes through their JAM the VAN! event, but they also aided on the day of our distribution. Thank you, Number One Auto, for your example to the community, demonstrating how they can assist us in helping others.”

Considering the significant success of the inaugural “JAMtheVAN!” toy and clothing drive, it is certain that it will be back in the fall of 2025.

“Absolutely, it will return next year,” Shea stated. “Several individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the van now that it has gained a bit of fame. But one cannot assign a monetary value to goodwill, so the van will remain for many years ahead.”