Chuck Eldridge, Owner of Toyota Palestine, On Why He Loves Palestine & Gives Back

Chuck Eldridge, owner of Palestine Toyota, has been thrilled with his decision to build a company and a life in this charming Texas community. “I have lived a lot of places, but Palestine is definitely my favorite. My wife and I want to make Palestine our forever home,” said Chuck Eldridge.  

Before moving to Palestine, Chuck worked in several metropolitan areas, but when he moved to Palestine, he finally felt at home. “In Palestine and other small communities, you get to encounter folks at your grocery shop and community events on a regular basis so you get to know folks. In Palestine, it is easy to build relationships with people that have been here all their lives - they become real friends. Here, you have a lot of people who contribute to your success on a business and personal level. I am a father of a three and five-year-old, been married to my wife Tina for twenty years, and the support we have received from the community and the school system has been incredibly fun and positive,” said Chuck. He continued, “Palestine is a great place to raise a family and it has a real hometown atmosphere.”

Chuck Eldridge and Palestine Toyota Give Back to the Community

As a leader, Chuck Eldridge is passionate about making a difference in the community, especially by helping children and veterans. When first moving to Palestine, he realized how much support the local community gave to Palestine Toyota, and how much time local business leaders gave to charities and community organizations. He wanted to be part of that and has developed key programs that make an impact on a large scale. 

They give away a car every year. 

It’s true. Palestine Toyota has a program designed to help high school seniors to stay in school and have perfect attendance. Every marking period, seniors can receive an entry into a drawing if they have perfect attendance. Those with perfect attendance all year, receive an extra entry. At the end of the year, one senior wins a new car. 

“We partner with the two local schools - Palestine ISD and Westwood ISD for a Driven to Succeed program and donate a car to each school. We make it like a game show with a bingo hopper, but bigger. We pull out ten names of students. They come down to the track to a lot of cheering. There are ten keys in boxes and each student gets one. If they hit the panic button the car goes off, then they won a car! The kids really appreciate the program. Being able to do that and give back to the community is amazing. Schools win and helps kids to stay in their seat and learn. Kids don’t learn if they don’t go to school, so this helps to get them started on the right path in life,” said Chuck.

Toyota Palestine is also helping veterans through a food packing event where they are packing 10,000 meals for homeless veterans. The meals go to food banks who will distribute these packages to homeless veterans in need. “We give freely with our heart and do what we can to help the community,” said Chuck. The community appreciates businesses like Toyota Palestine who give back and support events. 

Moving to Palestine, Texas 

Chuck and Tina Eldridge are one of the many families who are finding that Palestine is a welcoming community and a great place to raise a family. “The thing I like best about Palestine is the people – they are down to earth, salt of the earth good people,” said Chuck.

We encourage you to learn more about Palestine and consider making it your home.