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Blog / Akron Community Outreach

VanDevere Team Jumps into Action for a Good Cause at the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump

VanDevere team members participating in the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump, raising nearly $3,000 for the Akron Canton Food Bank. VanDevere sponsored the jump, with 100% of proceeds going to the charity.

At VanDevere, we believe in making a difference in our community, and our team proved that once again by taking part in the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump. Employees from all VanDevere locations joined in on the chilly fun, and we are proud to say that VanDevere paid for everyone’s jump, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went directly to the Akron Canton Food Bank.

Supporting Akron Canton Food Bank

The Polar Bear Jump is not only a fun event, but it also raises crucial funds for those in need. Thanks to the generosity of VanDevere’s team, we successfully raised nearly $3,000 to support the Akron Canton Food Bank's mission to provide food for families in need throughout the region. These funds will help provide meals and resources to those who rely on the Food Bank's services, especially during difficult times.

A Community Effort

The photos and video taken at the event capture the courage and spirit of the VanDevere team as they plunged into the icy waters of Portage Lakes. The event was a great opportunity for everyone to have fun while contributing to a meaningful cause. At VanDevere, we’re proud of our employees who continually go above and beyond to support local initiatives and make a positive impact in Akron.

Looking Ahead to Future Community Support

This event is just one example of VanDevere Kia’s commitment to helping Akron thrive. We look forward to participating in more community events and continuing to support local organizations like the Akron Canton Food Bank that do so much to help those in need. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this wonderful cause.

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VanDevere Kia donates a 2026 Kia K4 to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School’s Irish Raffle in Akron, OH, offering the winner the chance to choose a brand-new vehicle or a cash prize to support the school’s mission.

VanDevere Donates a 2026 Kia K4 to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School’s Irish Raffle Program

At VanDevere, we are proud to support local organizations, schools, and churches in Akron, OH. As part of our commitment to giving back, we have donated a 2026 Kia K4 to be raffled off at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (STVM) in their annual Irish Raffle program. This exciting event gives the lucky winner the option to take home a brand-new vehicle or a cash prize. The raffle will run for the next month and a half, giving participants plenty of time to enter for a chance to win. VanDevere's Commitment to Supporting Akron’s Local Organizations Each year, VanDevere donates around six vehicles to Akron organizations, churches, and schools, helping to raise funds for their important causes. We understand that local schools, like St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, play a critical role in shaping the future of Akron’s youth, and we’re honored to contribute to their efforts. By donating a vehicle to their Irish Raffle, we hope to help STVM continue offering outstanding educational opportunities and community support. Enter for Your Chance to Win the 2026 Kia K4 or Cash Prize The 2026 Kia K4 is a sleek, modern car that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a local Akron resident looking for an upgrade or someone hoping to support a great cause, this is a perfect opportunity. The winner can choose between the vehicle or a cash prize, making it an exciting and flexible option for all raffle participants. We encourage you to enter the raffle and support STVM in their mission to provide quality education and extracurricular programs for their students. Learn More and Enter the Irish Raffle For more details about the raffle, including how to purchase tickets and stay updated on the event, be sure to follow St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Your participation not only gives you a chance to win a fantastic prize but also supports the vital work being done at STVM. At VanDevere Kia, we’re excited to be a part of this wonderful event and look forward to seeing the positive impact this donation will have on the school community.

VanDevere Volunteering Event – Supporting Akron’s Homeless Community

At VanDevere, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us over the years. In February 2026, a group of dedicated employees took time from their workday to volunteer at the Akron Emergency Warming Center, a vital organization that provides warmth, shelter, and essential services to Akron’s homeless community during the cold winter months. A Hands-On Approach to Helping Akron’s Homeless The VanDevere team rolled up their sleeves to help clean, organize, and ensure the Warming Center is prepared for the influx of individuals seeking shelter from the harsh winter conditions. This hands-on volunteer effort aimed to make the center a more welcoming and effective space for those in need. The Warming Center plays an essential role in Akron, offering a safe refuge for the homeless, especially during extreme cold spells. A Generous Donation In addition to the volunteering efforts, VanDevere employees also showed their generosity by donating five full bags of jackets and winter coats. These donations provide warmth and comfort to individuals who often lack the necessary clothing to face the freezing temperatures. It’s through these small acts of kindness that we can help make a big difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Fundraising for a Good Cause The VanDevere team also went above and beyond by raising over $3,000 to directly support the Akron Emergency Warming Center. These funds will go toward the center’s operations and programs, ensuring that it can continue to provide critical services to Akron’s homeless population. From providing meals to offering emergency shelter, the Warming Center is an essential resource, and these funds will help them serve the community more effectively. Thank You to Our Employees and Supporters We want to extend our deepest thanks to all the VanDevere employees who participated in this event, as well as to those who contributed donations and fundraising efforts. Your support means the world to those who rely on the Akron Emergency Warming Center for warmth and safety. It’s efforts like these that help create a stronger, more compassionate community. At VanDevere Kia, we are proud to be part of a community that values kindness, generosity, and supporting those in need. We look forward to more opportunities to give back and make a lasting impact on Akron.

SUV interior showing spacious passenger room

Preparing Your Kia for Back-to-School Season: Features Busy Families Appreciate

Back-to-school season has a remarkable ability to turn a family vehicle into a shuttle bus, locker room, lunchroom, and mobile storage unit before 8 a.m. Kia's new lineup is well prepared for the chaos, with compact hybrids, 3-row SUVs, and an 8-passenger hybrid MPV offering very different approaches to family transportation. For families around Akron, OH, Kia covers everything from efficient school runs to weekends involving children, friends, sports equipment, and enough bags to suggest everyone is leaving town. Telluride and Sorento Bring the Third Row The redesigned 2027 Telluride is the larger SUV choice, seating up to 8 and using a 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 274 hp and 311 lbs. ft. of torque. There is 19.9 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row and up to 86.9 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded, leaving room for backpacks and groceries even when all 3 rows are occupied. The 2026 Sorento packages 3 rows into a smaller SUV and offers up to 75.5 cu. ft. of maximum cargo capacity. Gas models offer an available 281 hp Turbocharged 2.5L engine, while the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid produces 261 hp, includes standard AWD, and provides 31 miles of EPA-estimated electric range. Sportage Hybrid and Niro Hybrid Keep Things Compact Not every family needs a third row, and carrying empty seats around all week isn't especially rewarding. The 2027 Sportage Hybrid seats 5 and combines a 1.6L Turbo-Hybrid powertrain with 232 hp and 271 lbs. ft. of torque. FWD models achieve an EPA-estimated 40 city/42 highway/41 combined MPG, while AWD versions are rated at 35 city/36 highway/35 combined MPG. Available AWD with Multi-Terrain Mode also adds Snow, Mud, and Sand settings. The smaller 2027 Niro Hybrid sticks with FWD and puts greater emphasis on fuel efficiency and easy maneuverability, making it an appealing alternative for families whose school-day routine involves crowded parking lots instead of a third-row carpool. Technology Helps Keep the Day Organized Family-car technology is at its best when it removes small annoyances instead of creating new ones. Kia Connect on compatible models can provide remote functions, vehicle-status information, maintenance details, and other connected services through the Kia Access app. Depending on model and trim, families can also find wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, multiple USB charging ports, large digital displays, and available Digital Key technology. The 2027 Sportage Hybrid, for example, includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. These features become considerably more appreciated when several passengers arrive with phones hovering around 10% battery. Carnival MPV Hybrid Is the Space Specialist For maximum family flexibility, the 2027 Carnival MPV Hybrid takes a different route from Kia's SUVs. It seats up to 8 and uses a Turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 242 hp and 271 lbs. ft. of torque while achieving an EPA-estimated 32 combined MPG. More impressive is the packaging: there is 40.2 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the third row and up to 145.1 cu. ft. behind the first row when configured for maximum cargo capacity. Available second-row VIP Lounge Seats can add heating, ventilation, leg extensions, and relaxation modes on select trims. Children may not require executive seating for the journey to soccer practice, but they're unlikely to complain about it. Find a Family-Friendly Kia at VanDevere Kia The best Kia for back-to-school duty depends on how many people and how much equipment need to come along. Telluride provides seating for up to 8 and generous cargo capacity, Sorento delivers 3 rows in a smaller package, and Sportage Hybrid and Niro Hybrid suit families prioritizing efficiency and easier maneuverability. Carnival MPV Hybrid goes all-in on passenger and cargo flexibility with seating for up to 8 and as much as 145.1 cu. ft. of cargo room. Akron, OH, families can visit VanDevere Kia to browse new Kia inventory, compare family SUVs and hybrids, explore financing options, value a trade-in, or schedule a test drive online today.