Kia North Danvers is going green for its one-year anniversary.

The dealership in Danvers, Mass., celebrated its first year in operation by installing solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint and promote clean energy.

“This amazing community has welcomed us with open arms, and we’re excited to give back,” general manager Bryan Laskin said, “not just through great service, but by investing in a greener future.”

The high-impact solar energy installation is designed to reduce operational expenses, increase energy resilience and advance long-term sustainability clean energy goals, the dealership said in a news release.

The store is part of the International Cars Ltd., an employee-owned company that operates nine dealerships in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The initiative was a collaboration between ICL, Boston-based Aarjay Ventures, KW Management of New Hampshire, and New Hampshire-based clean-energy advocate SaVI.

The system features 205 high-efficiency Adityaa Solar Modules, projected to generate approximately 136,000 kWh of electricity annually — enough to power 12 to 13 average American homes. Kia North Danvers said it’s estimated to cover 57% coverage of its total annual energy needs.

ICL chairman Damon Jespersen said the company is “ecstatic how our solar panels underscore the ICL’s forward-thinking approach as we strive to make a positive impact in the communities where we do business. We are constantly investing in projects to make the lives of our employees, customers and partners better.

“It is our hope that our commitment to environmental responsibility and holistic business practices will serve as a model and inspiration, and together we will make the world safer, cleaner and more sustainable for everyone.”

Ken Garff provides Thanksgiving meals for veterans

Ken Garff Automotive Group gave thanks — and dinner — to military veterans on Thanksgiving.

The dealership group, which operates 70 locations in nine states, partnered with veterans’ organizations in its Drive Out Hunger campaign, inviting veterans and military families to pick up a free Thanksgiving meal during drive-through events at its stores throughout November.

Vehicles passing through the line at the events received a tote bag containing a frozen turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cornbread mix, canned corn and green beans, a roaster pan, pudding and a frozen pumpkin pie.

The company said it distributed some 7,600 meals through the initiative.

“Drive Out Hunger is our way of giving back to those who have given so much,” Ken Garff CEO Brett Hopkins said. “We’re proud to expand this event across all nine states where we do business, allowing us to connect with even more veterans and their families.

“By providing Thanksgiving meals, we hope to express our gratitude and help make the holiday season a little brighter for those who have served.”