Two Harley-Davidson locations are competing in a heartwarming contest this holiday season.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will have the final say in determining which Harley-Davidson dealership in Indiana will emerge victorious in a friendly food drive challenge.
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The motorcycle shops in Valparaiso and Michigan City are organizing a food drive to benefit local nonprofits and assist the community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
Participants will choose a side, and the dealership that collects the most donations will be declared the winner.
Donors will select either Team Valparaiso or Team Michigan City when making their contributions of nonperishable goods or cash.
“We always strive to make a positive impact, especially during Thanksgiving,” stated Harley-Davidson Sales and Motorclothes Specialist Ginger Misch, as reported by LaPorteCounty.Life.
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“While living expenses have increased, many are still feeling the squeeze on their income, making extra assistance crucial.”
Harley-Davidson customers are encouraged to choose a location and donate as soon as they can.
Contributions to Team Valparaiso will be directed to Hilltop Neighborhood House, a community center that offers early childhood education and food pantry services.
Donors who choose the Michigan City location will support Arise and Shine, a food assistance and outreach organization.
Misch emphasized that these drives are a meaningful way for people to care for one another.
“We want everyone to have enjoyable meals during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and throughout the year,” the specialist remarked.
“Events like this ensure that others have food to eat, alleviating one worry from their lives.”
Both Harley-Davidson locations are accepting nonperishable food items and monetary donations for the food drive.
Food contributions will be delivered directly to the respective nonprofits.
Additionally, monetary donations will be utilized to purchase groceries for each nonprofit before Thanksgiving.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States.
However, several stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024, often without explanation.
Here’s a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have closed this year along with their reasons:
The San Francisco location shuttered in June after 110 years due to “chaos” caused by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September with no reasoning given.
Harley-Davidson’s legacy location in New York City closed its doors on September 28, with the owner citing economic issues.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson in Kewanee, Illinois, closed in October after the owners sold the business to Walter Brothers Harley Davidson in Peoria, Illinois.
Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
This friendly rivalry marks a first for both establishments.
“We have conducted food drives before, but this is the first time we’ve turned it into a competition between the locations,” Misch shared.
“We thought this would add a fun element for both staff and customers.”
Donations can be made directly at the Harley-Davidson dealerships, which are situated approximately 20 miles apart.
Both locations are fully committed to achieving victory.
‘HEARTWARMING’ COMPETITION
Harley-Davidson General Manager Jeff Haggerty noted that the brand’s customers are the ideal participants for this cause.
“Initiatives like this help unite the community,” Haggerty remarked.
“Our motorcycle community shares strong bonds; they look out for one another and exhibit kindness towards animals, children, and veterans.
“It truly warms the heart.”
The winning dealership will earn bragging rights for the coming year.
As this contest unfolds, other Harley-Davidson locations are closing permanently.
Recently, Taboo Harley-Davidson in Alexandria, Louisiana, closed without prior notice.
Customers were left in uncertainty, with some reporting that their motorcycles were still at the shop when it abruptly shut down.