Get a Free Oil Change and Support Haven From Hunger

By John Castelluccio

The Driveway Doctors just opened its new shop in Peabody in May and is already doing its part to give back to the community.

Customers from Peabody, Salem and Lynnfield can make an appointment for one free oil change per year at the Foster Street shop. In exchange, they are strongly encouraged to donate at least $20 to Haven from Hunger.

There are no other requirements for the deal -- it's simply an effort to support a "great local cause," says shop owner and co-founder Alexander Tallett.

It's a new campaign and partnership with the food pantry that just launched on Tuesday. Haven Executive Director Alyse Barbash says the funds will go toward the pantry's $1.3 million capital campaign.

That money will cover purchasing the property the pantry currently occupies at 71 Wallis St. as well as extensive renovations to both modernize the facility and make it handicap-accessible.

Tallett said he decided to locate the shop in Peabody because business partner and shop manager Donny Dinicola and their three employees are from the area and because the city "has a great community feel to it."

And so, focused on becoming part of the community, Tallett soon learned about Haven from Hunger and stopped in to personally inspect the operation. He came away impressed at the hard work and results despite limited resources, he said.

From there, the Driveway Doctors fixed up the pantry's van at no charge and came up with the idea for the new promotion to customers who live in communities served by the Haven.

"We're very excited about the new partnership and very thankful for the support," Barbash said.

The Driveway Doctors is located at 92 Foster St. in Peabody. Hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday. You can make an appointment online or call 781-343-2340.