Neighbors Helping Neighbors: 1323 Coats Donated to Local Students
Neighbors helping neighbors: Nima Behboodi of Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru joins the dedicated team at The Next Door Inc. in celebrating the delivery of 132 winter coats donated through the Subaru Loves to Help initiative. The coats are keeping Columbia River Gorge students warm this winter.
From Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru:
By Amanda Rhoades
The Dalles, Ore., March 13, 2026 — Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru was proud to support Operation Warm through the Subaru Loves to Help initiative this year. Through that partnership, the dealership donated 132 new winter coats to The Next Door Inc., a nonprofit serving families and youth throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
The coats were distributed to local students from kindergarten through high school, providing warmth, comfort, and dignity during the winter season.
Founded in 1971 in Hood River, The Next Door Inc. has spent more than five decades delivering essential support services across the Gorge. Their programs include mental health services, parenting support, and health education, all aimed at strengthening families and improving the well-being of vulnerable community members. A full list of services can be found at nextdoorinc.org/services.
“We’re honored to partner with The Next Door Inc.,” said Nima Behboodi, General Manager of Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru. “When I toured their facility, I was inspired by the dedication of their staff and the positive impact they make every day. While Tonkin is a recognized name, our dealership here in The Dalles is a single-location, family-owned business. It’s important to us — and to the dozens of staff members we employ — that we do our part to support our neighbors.” Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru has operated independently in The Dalles for many years and is not affiliated with Tonkin dealerships in the Portland metro area.
Behboodi added that community support plays a meaningful role in the dealership’s ability to give back. “Our customers choose to keep their automotive dollars here in the Gorge. There’s a common perception that buying a vehicle in the city is always less expensive, but manufacturer pricing, incentives, and financing programs are generally consistent across regions. When travel costs, time, and fees are considered, purchasing locally is more than often comparable — and sometimes even more cost-effective. Just as importantly, buying locally supports area jobs, local tax revenue, and community investment.”
Donations to The Next Door Inc. from community members and local businesses directly assist individuals and families facing hardship. To learn more about their mission or ways to contribute, visit nextdoorinc.org.
