Reggie Bush and Prestone® Team Up to Summer-ize Vehicles Used for "Good"

LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study by Prestone – a leading producer of antifreeze/coolant – showed that in the hottest months of the year, only 57% of car owners have prepared their cars to battle the heat. Coincidentally, the American Automobile Association (AAA) recently reported that 8.7 million cars will break down between Memorial Day and Labor Day due to lack of summer preparation.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110713/DA35060)

With these statistics in mind, Prestone and NFL Running Back, Reggie Bush, kicked off today the organization's second "Own it for Good" tour, a nationwide initiative celebrating vehicle owners who use their car for "good," with a car "summer-ization" effort supporting Meals on Wheels' volunteers in some of the country's hottest states.

Today's event was the first of two this summer, taking place at the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles, the nation's largest private Meals on Wheels chapter, whose volunteers will deliver more than one million meals this year.

"Our dedicated volunteers drive their own vehicles nearly 700 miles to deliver 4,700 meals everyday and we're grateful," said Daryl Twerdahl, executive director of the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Foundation. "By partnering with Prestone, we're excited to offer our gracious volunteers a much deserved, free car tune-up in the heat of the summer. We need to keep them safe and on the road!"  

The Prestone team of technicians and Reggie Bush set-up shop in the Meals on Wheels parking lot, and more than 40 personal vehicles – including nearly 25 Meals on Wheels delivery vans underwent a 30-point tune-up by the crew including coolant top-offs and more.

Prestone also donated $5,000 to the nonprofit and gave 100 box fans to Meals on Wheels' elderly clients who are enduring the summer heat without air conditioning.

"Meals on Wheels volunteers rely on their vehicles every day to deliver much-needed food to those in need," says Kelley O'Donnell, brand leader for Prestone. "Our goal with 'Own it for Good' is to celebrate these volunteers while also informing the public that proper vehicle maintenance is vital during the summer months, especially given the record-breaking heat many states are experiencing."

Prestone will continue the "Own it for Good" tour on July 27th in Dallas, Texas at the Visiting Nurse Association Meals on Wheels.

For more information on how to easily care for your vehicle, visit www.prestone.com. To learn more about how to become a Meals on Wheels volunteer in your area, visit www.mowaa.org.

About The Meals On Wheels Association of America

The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest national organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 U.S. states, as well as the U.S. Territories. MOWAA's vision is to end senior hunger by 2020. The goal is to recruit 6 million people who are willing to stand up and pledge to do what it takes to end senior hunger.

About Prestone and Honeywell Consumer Products Group

Honeywell Consumer Products Group, a business unit within the Honeywell Transportation Systems segment of Honeywell International Inc., has headquarters in Danbury, Conn. Its leading automotive care products include FRAM® oil, air, transmission and fuel filters; Autolite® spark plugs and ignition wire sets; Prestone® antifreeze and car care products; and Holts® car care. It maintains R&D capabilities in both the United States and Europe and has a manufacturing footprint in 10 countries worldwide.

SOURCE Prestone