`DRIVING FOR EDUCATION' EFFORT OPENS

A new program introduced Tuesday by Coad Chevrolet allows area schools to earn computers and other classroom equipment by urging people to test drive new cars.

Through the program, called "Driving for Education," schools can obtain Apple computers, Magnavox audio-visual equipment and Compton's encyclopedia sets, said Tim Coad with Coad Chevrolet.

"We want to help the schools in our community by helping put equipment into the schools," Coad said. "We feel this is a good opportunity for schools and businesses to work together."

Beginning March 23 and continuing through May 11, participating schools will be assigned a test-drive week.

Parents, faculty members and other school supporters may test drive a new car, truck or van and then fill out a "Proof of Drive" certificate. Volunteers from each school are asked to man a table during the week to help keep track of those test driving for the school.

At the end of the week, schools tally the number of test drives and then select equipment from six different prize levels.

Representatives from five schools attended the Cape Girardeau kick-off Tuesday: Delta public school, Trinity Lutheran School, St. Joseph Catholic School, Guardian Angel Catholic School and St. Mary's Cathedral School.

Coad said another 18 schools have signed up at other Coad dealerships in the region. The program is open to all public, private and parochial schools in the area.

Coad emphasized that the promotion is not designed as a "hard sell" for new vehicles.

"There is no pressure to buy a car," Coad said.

"Our goal is to get a lot of people into our dealership," Coad said. "The research says 60 percent of the people who participate in this program will have never been in our showroom before. It's a good way to get new prospects."

While Driving for Education is a nationwide promotion, Coad explained the program is funded by participating dealerships with part of their existing advertising and promotions budget.