For nearly 30 years, Number One Auto has been the premier independent dealership in north-central West Virginia, as well as one of the top independent dealerships in the entire state. Founded by Sid Phillips in 1995, the family business has included Sid’s son, Shea, for the past 18 years.
Their mission statement is quite simple: “We help people.” This fall, their mission went a step further when they created a unique way to give back to the community.
“We wanted to do a toy and clothing drive for children to help create more smiles on Christmas morning for families who have been struggling financially,” remarked Sid. “At first, we didn’t know what that was going to look like, but we knew we wanted it to be fun and different.”
When Sid and Shea traded for an old, beat-up Ford cargo van last summer, the idea for JAMtheVAN! was born. “It was just sitting there with very little value, and it hit me: JAMtheVAN! We can jam this old, ugly van with toys and clothes, and then donate them to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program,” Shea said.
But as with anything Sid and Shea do, they had to find a way to make this event fun, unique, and exciting.
“At what point in your life did you think you would actually get to spray graffiti and not get arrested for it? Well, anyone who donated to our cause got to pick out a neon can of spray paint and go hog wild, spraying the van with any artwork they wanted (as long as it was PG!). Kids of all ages had a blast with that, and that was so fun to witness,” Shea added.
In just under two months, Number One Auto had 465 wearables (coats, clothes, socks, etc.), 425 toys, and six bicycles donated to their endeavor. A portion of these donations helped completely build out a total of 28 angels for their Christmas. Because of JAM the VAN!, the Buckhannon Salvation Army was able to fulfill all of their angels’ needs.
“We can’t thank the people of Upshur County enough for their response to our event,” Sid said. “Our people here in this community are so incredibly giving and generous, and we were blessed to be a witness to that over the last two months.”
Melissa Vaughn of the North Central West Virginia Salvation Army said that having Number One Auto as a partner this year was so wonderful.
“The Salvation Army of North Central West Virginia can’t thank Number One Auto enough for their visionary idea to assist hundreds of children in North Central WV,” remarked Vaughn. “Their vision to create JAM the VAN! as a way to bring citizens together through our Angel Tree Program is genius. The Salvation Army NCWV extends a deep and sincere expression of gratitude to Number One Auto for their vital partnership via our Angel Tree Program. Not only did they raise toys and clothes via their JAM the VAN! event, but also assisted the day of our distribution. Thank you Number One Auto for your example to the community to show our communities how they can help us help others.”
Given the massive success of the first annual “JAMtheVAN!” toy and clothing drive, you can be sure it will return in the fall of 2025.
“Oh, you bet it will be back next year,” Shea said. “We’ve had several people offer to buy the van now that it’s somewhat famous. But you can’t put a price tag on goodwill, so the van is here to stay for years to come.”
