It’s back — bigger, brighter, and ready to be jam-packed with joy! #1 Auto Sales is proud to announce the kickoff of Year TWO of “JAM THE VAN!”, a community-driven clothing and toy drive benefiting local children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.
Starting Monday, October 20th, an old 2008 Ford E-250 cargo van with more than 200,000 miles of hard work under its belt will once again take center stage in front of #1 Auto Sales. But this year, there’s a twist — the van begins as a blank white canvas, waiting for the community to transform it with color, kindness, and creativity.
Everyone who brings a brand-new clothing item, toy, or box of diapers for a child will not only help fill the van with generosity — they’ll also get the chance to draw, doodle, or sign their masterpiece right on the van!
Have you ever wanted to do graffiti, but were afraid you might get in trouble? Well fear not, because with JAM the VAN!, you won’t! We want you to leave your mark… literally!
Last year, the community helped fill the van to the brim with Christmas spirit, collecting:
- 431 toys
- 465 wearable items
- 6 bicycles
- and enough joy to help create 28 additional Angel Tree gifts for local children in need.
“The Salvation Army Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts & new clothing to approximately 250 children in Upshur County each year,” said Major John Sikes, Corps Officer for the Salvation Army. “Angel Tree wouldn’t be possible without support from the community. We are grateful to partner with #1 Auto Sales for their 2nd annual Jam the Van toy drive.”
“We were absolutely blown away by the support last year,” said Shea Phillips, General Manager of #1 Auto Sales. “Seeing families, kids, and customers come together — painting the van, laughing, giving, and knowing those donations were making real Christmas mornings brighter — it was something special to witness. We knew we had to do it again, and this year we’re making it even more fun. Please, drive on down and help us JAM this VAN!”
Donations will be accepted until noon on Saturday, December 6th – and then, the filled van will roll over to the Salvation Army, loaded with the community’s gifts and goodwill.
So, bring your donations, your big hearts, and your best Christmas spirit — and help JAM the VAN! Let’s make this second year one to remember!
Donation Period:
- October 20 – noon on December 6, 2025
- #1 Auto Sales, Buckhannon, WV
What to Donate:
- Brand new clothing for babies and children
- Brand new toys for babies and children
- Winter gear – hats, gloves, toboggans, scarves, boots for girls and boys
- Diapers of any size
Benefiting:
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program
