On Saturday, Sept. 25, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) held its 16th and final Lights On For Safety event.
AASP-MN volunteers, with help from automotive technical students, conducted a free inspection and replacement of exterior vehicle light bulbs for the motoring public. Volunteers at six sites serviced 343 vehicles and collected 1,142 pounds of food and over $1,250 for local food shelves. In addition, $3,000 in scholarships was distributed to automotive tech students who participated in the event. Minnesota state troopers were also on hand to answer traffic safety-related questions.
Lights On For Safety took place at the following sites: Century College, White Bear Lake; Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis; St. Paul College, St. Paul; MN DOT/State Patrol headquarters in Duluth; Minnesota State Community & Technical College, Moorhead and South Central College, North Mankato.
In addition to AASP-MN, sponsors of Lights On For Safety include: Auto Plus Auto Stores, Auto Value Parts Stores, Factory Motor Parts and NAPA Auto Parts.
After 16 years, 2010 will mark the final year of the event. AASP-MN hopes to develop a new public service program that will build on the many positive elements of the Lights On for Safety event, while engaging more members and having a greater public service impact. Ideas or suggestions for such an initiative will be welcomed by the AASP-MN office.