The Driven Brands Charitable Foundation (DBCF) has partnered with parent company Driven Brands’ retail automotive brands to help raise funds for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief through the American Red Cross. Driven Brands’ participating companies include CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, Maaco, Meineke Car Care Centers, Take 5 Oil Change and 1-800 Radiator & AC.

Franchisees, employees, vendor partners and customers can visit the Driven Brands Charitable Foundation site or any of the participating brand websites to donate. Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts in both regions.

“Hurricane Harvey continues to have a devastating impact on Texas and Louisiana, while we are just seeing the impact on Florida,” said Noah Pollack, executive vice president and general counsel for Driven Brands. “Our thoughts are with our franchisees, their staffs and families in the storm zones and the millions of people whose lives have been disrupted by rain, wind and floods and who are now facing a lengthy clean-up and restoration.”

Driven Brands has more than 50 locations in the Houston area including CARSTAR, Take 5 Oil Change, Meineke Car Care and 1-800 Radiator & AC. Fortunately, most store locations had minimal damage during Hurricane Harvey and are open for business. In Florida, there are some 160 locations including CARSTAR, Maaco, Meineke Car Care, 1-800 Radiator & AC, Take 5 and Havoline Express Lube.

The Driven Brands Charitable Foundation raised more than $650,000 in 2016 and its fundraising efforts have now surpassed more than $1.5 million since it was established in 2012. The foundation, working in conjunction with more than 2,500 Driven Brand franchisees, vendor partners, customers and employees, looks to not only change the lives of children and families in need but to support local community initiatives in the neighborhoods its businesses serve across the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to supporting the American Red Cross in times of need, DBCF supports several organizations like the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals including the Levine Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, Boston Children’s Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Canada and other local charities like Snug Hugs for Kids. In addition, DBCF believes in honoring our veterans and giving back to the brave men and women who fight for our freedoms through programs like NABC Recycles Rides, Wounded Warrior Project and Hope for Warriors.

Driven Brands family of automotive aftermarket brands raised the funds at national conventions and during several events throughout the year, including golf tournaments, collection drives, charitable walks, silent auctions and in-store promotions.

The foundation also receives support from its vendor partners and customers, including the “Round It Forward” program that rounds up customer purchases to the nearest dollar and in-shop collection boxes.

For more information on the Driven Brands Charitable Foundation or to make a donation, visit drivenbrandscharitablefoundation.org.