Murrysville Auto Clinic owner brakes for food

Cody Downes expects to see a lot of business this month but knows his bottom line will take a hit. And that's fine by him.

The Downes family owns Murrysville Auto Clinic.

This month, the store will offer free brakes to anyone who brings in items to donate to the Mother of Sorrows Food Pantry.

The fundraiser isn't the first time the family has given something back to the community.

The shop has offered free oil changes for customers who bring in a toy for the Toys for Tots program for three years.

It has teamed with the Murrysville Police to provide maintenance for a police car and worked with Murrysville recreation to teach students about cars.

Cody Downes said the family decided three years ago it wanted to do more for the community.

Last year, the store gave away $4,909 worth of brakes and brought in about 1 ton of food. This year, the store hopes to receive 1.2 tons of food.

Downes said the amount raised through the program makes any loss of revenue worthwhile.

"We take a hit, but it's not as bad as it might seem," he said.

The deal includes brake pads, labor and sales tax, Downes said.

It doesn't include any additional work such as rotors or hardware.

If that work is needed, Downes said, employees won't install brake pads without the other work.

"We won't install pads if it needs rotors," he said.

Downes said the store works with its parts suppliers for discounts to offset the loss of income.

The family took over the store in 1987.

Bruce Downes, Cody's father, began working at the store in 1985 to help the owner after being laid off from his job. When his boss decided to sell the store, he offered it to Bruce.

"That's just lucky," Bruce Downes said.

He added that the family's involvement in Toys for Tots brings him the most joy.

"Toys for Tots is big for me," he said. "If I could go give them out, I would."

Bruce Downes said the store will hold another toy drive in November. Customers who bring in toys will receive a coupon for a free oil change.

For more information on the free brakes offer, call 724-327-2525.

The store is at 3835 Old William Penn Highway.