TRIADELPHIA — In its short time since arriving in the Ohio Valley, Shults Ford at The Highlands has made it a priority to become part of the community. The dealership is taking another step in that direction Friday, sponsoring a back-to-school backpack drive from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at its site at 95 Robinson Drive in Triadelphia.

The idea of a Shults backpack drive began 10 years ago at the company’s Wexford, Pennsylvania, site, said Chelsea McCarrick, Shults’ marketing manager. The plan then was to collect slightly used backpacks for those students in need of them and distribute them to local schools.

The concept has only grown from there, she continued.

“They went from collecting a couple hundred backpacks the first year or two, and we’re up to thousands of backpacks that we collect every year,” McCarrick said. “So coming into the Wheeling area, we wanted to continue that.

“We’ve seen such an impact from that,” she added. “Something like a backpack, pencils, pens, folders, how that really helps students succeed in the classroom. It’s those basic materials that we really don’t think of that help them succeed in the classroom.”

People can come to the dealership Friday to drop off backpacks and other school supplies, which will then be given to the Wheeling YMCA. Then, on Aug. 10, students and families can come to the YMCA in Elm Grove to pick up those supplies.

Those who donate will be registered to win one of several prize baskets or a signed authentic Kris Letang jersey. McCarrick said it has been heartening to see local businesses lend their hands to this endeavor. The Highlands Walmart has donated 100 backpacks to the cause and businesses like Logan’s Roadhouse and Once Upon A Child have donated items to the basket drawings.

Shults Ford appreciates those businesses sharing in the sense of community that has always been championed by Shults owner Richard Bazzy, McCarrick said.

“Richard always says that it’s not about selling cars, it’s about how we can help our community,” she said. “And car sales might come later, but that’s not our main focus. Our focus is being able to be a helping hand in the community. And if we have the ability to help, then we have to help.”