AKRON, Ohio – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. says the momentum continues to build with its third annual "Goodyear Gives Back" campaign, dedicated to supporting U.S. Armed Forces overseas.
 
Goodyear, exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR’s three major national series and NHRA Racing’s Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, held a care package event at Michigan International Speedway before the Aug. 18 VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the Aug. 19 Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Goodyear teamed up with local Michigan VFW members, family and friends of deployed Michigan troops and the U.S. Postal Service to fill care packages for deployed troops.
 
"With decades of racing experience, Goodyear understands that it is important to come out fast at the green flag – which the Goodyear Gives Back program did – but we’ve got to continue to perform to take the checkered flag," said Garth Ely, Goodyear director of brand marketing. "The Support Our Troops message on our NASCAR and NHRA race tires over the Fourth of July race weekend was just the start. Through care package events like this one in Michigan, our donation commitment and the continued support for our fundraising efforts from the entire racing community, we can really help make a positive impact with the troops who provide us safety and peace of mind."
 
Individual care packages were packed with personalized "thank you" cards and items such as toothpaste, soap, pain relievers, etc. – all donated by Goodyear, NASCAR sponsors and other partners. The local U.S. Postal Service donated the pick-up and shipment of USPS flat rate priority boxes full of 5,000 care packages filled during the event, headed straight to the troops overseas.
 
"In our fourth year as the title sponsor of the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, we are proud to join together with a company like Goodyear during its "Goodyear Gives Back" campaign to support our deployed troops overseas," said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer. "We have been serving veterans, the military and the community for over 100 years and Goodyear’s dedication to the troops is something the VFW applauds and supports."
 
In addition to the care package event at Michigan, a number of initiatives are part of this year’s "Goodyear Gives Back" campaign, including the "Goodyear Gives Back" sales event running at retailers across the country through Aug. 31.  During this event, Goodyear is donating $1 per select Goodyear tire sold, up to $250,000*, to the Support Our Troops organization.
 
"Midway through the Goodyear Gives Back campaign, we are on track to hit our $250,000 donation goal," said Ely. "We are thankful for those who have already gotten involved with our program and encourage everyone to continue this support by letting their friends, family and any military members know about this program. Details can be found at www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack, including a link to our charity auction which includes great items signed by some of the biggest names in NASCAR."
 
Over the past two years, contributions generated through the Goodyear effort have amounted to nearly $400,000 in cash and product, and have benefited U.S. service men and women directly and through the highly effective programs operated by Support Our Troops.
 
"Goodyear hosting another care package event like the one held in Daytona last month, which resulted in 5,000 bags of much needed goods being sent to troops in Afghanistan, is tremendous for us and the troops," said Martin Boire, executive director of Support Our Troops. "In addition to the generous monetary donation, Goodyear and its partners have provided so many ways for the fans to show their support for our service men and women through this year’s campaign, and the troops really appreciate the continued support and goodwill wishes from home."
 
Consumers and race fans can personally get involved in this year’s "Goodyear Gives Back" campaign by visiting www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack and bidding on authentic, race-used Goodyear NASCAR and NHRA tires autographed by drivers who used them in these races, as well as other unique items including authentic motorsports experiences and memorabilia that are up for auction. All proceeds go directly to Support Our Troops.
 
New racing memorabilia was added on Aug. 13 and will be available for bidding through Sept. 3. Consumers can also send a message to the troops or make direct donations to Support Our Troops through the Goodyear website and purchase Goodyear Gives Back merchandise through the auction link (while supplies last).