Chicago area PODS® helps support Snug Hugs for Kids

(CHICAGO) – This winter, many children won’t be able to enjoy their fun, outdoor activities without the proper attire to bundle up in. Chicago area PODS®, 101.9fm THE MIX and Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops are teaming up to collect donated clothing for the 21st annual Merlin’s Snug Hugs for Kids, a children’s winter outerwear drive, from Oct. 29 – Dec. 11 at participating Merlin’s shops.

Chicago area PODS will bring in their safe and secure PODS® containers to collect donated items on specific dates at the following Merlin’s locations:

Saturday, Oct. 27: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 6100 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, Ill. 60053

Items needed for newborns through the age of 18 include coats, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, boots, pants, sweaters and socks. Clothing should be like-new and have little visible wear and tear; clean and free of stains; have no holes, frays or missing buttons; and have working zippers. On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the collected outerwear items will be donated to the Children’s Home + Aid program centers. Since 1991, more than 250 tons of warm winter clothing have been donated to children and families in need.

“This is a wonderful example of bringing the community together to help keep our children safe and toasty during the wintertime,” said Tim Kelly, general manager of Chicago area PODS. “We are humbled to be part of this great cause and donate our reliable PODS® containers to help collect these outerwear donations and to warm a child’s heart.”

For more information about Snug Hugs for Kids, visit http://www.merlins.com/snughugs/index.html.

About PODS Enterprises, Inc.

Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides moving and storage services to a population of more than 250,000,000 million consumers and businesses, in 48 U.S. states, Canada, Australia and the U.K., through its company-owned and independent franchise network. To date, the PODS network has completed more than 400,000 long-distance relocations, exceeded 2,000,000 million deliveries and has over 145,000 PODS® containers in service.

PODS® secure containers are constructed of a steel frame and are available in three sizes: approximately 7-by-7-by-8 feet, 12-by-8-by-8 feet and 16-by-8-by-8 feet. The 12-foot and 16-foot containers have been tested to withstand winds of more than 110-mph when partially loaded. Newer PODS® containers have the same steel frame construction but are completely recyclable panels made of steel skins and a high-density polyethylene core. For more information or to schedule service, visit PODS.com or call 800-776-7637.

About Children’s Home + Aid 

Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a leader in responding to the changing needs of disadvantaged children and families in Illinois. For more than 125 years, Children’s Home + Aid has paved the way by establishing best practices and shaping laws in child welfare, early childhood and juvenile justice. Today, Children’s Home + Aid is recognized as a leading provider of quality programs and services to children and families in need.

About Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops 

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops offer a neighborhood approach to automotive service. THE DRIVE FOR 200,000, Merlin’s EASY and AFFORDABLE maintenance program, supports vehicle owners hundreds of thousands of miles beyond the usual manufacturer’s warranty period and has positioned Merlin as the leader in vehicle longevity. Founded in 1975, Merlin is headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois, and operates shops in four states.

About Hubbard Radio LLC

Hubbard Radio, LLC was formed in 2011, when Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., an American radio and TV broadcast pioneer, acquired 17 radio stations in four cities from Bonneville International. In addition to HBI’s legendary KS95 in Minneapolis – St. Paul, Hubbard Radio and its affiliates own stations in four other major US markets: WTMX, WDRV, and WILV in Chicago; WTOP and WFED in Washington, DC; WIL, WARH and WXOS in St. Louis; and WUBE, WKRQ, WREW and WYGY in Cincinnati. Hubbard Radio also operates three Minneapolis – St. Paul stations still owned by HBI: KSTP (AM), KTMY and WIXK.

Winner of numerous recognitions for community service, including multiple NAB Crystal Radio awards, Hubbard Radio works to reinforce its belief that highly rated and successful stations can and should give the most commitment and service to back to their employees and communities. Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. is a family-run and –operated business founded in 1923. In addition to radio, HBI owns twelve TV stations in Minnesota, New York and New Mexico, satellite and cable television networks, and a major production company.