CARSTAR Canada and the CARSTAR Johnny K Group, owned by franchisee Johnny Kloeckes, have announced the return of the annual CARSTAR and Oil Kings Back-to-School Drive. Operating across seven collision repair facilities in the Edmonton region, the campaign collects backpacks, notebooks, binders, and writing supplies from July 10 through August 21, 2026, to support students and families in need.

Donation bins have been placed across participating locations, including CARSTAR Ellerslie, Edmonton South East, Edmonton Gateway, Leduc North, Express Edmonton South, Edmonton Mayfield, and Roper Road. Following the collection window, assembled backpacks will be delivered directly to local Edmonton schools ahead of the academic year. In addition to school supplies, every student benefiting from the drive will receive complimentary tickets to attend a dedicated CARSTAR Game Day match between the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Lethbridge Hurricanes on November 4 at Rogers Place. 

“This initiative is about more than school supplies. It’s about giving students confidence as they head into a new school year and showing families that their community is behind them,” said Johnny Kloeckes, owner of CARSTAR Johnny K Group. “The support we received last year was incredible, and we’re excited to work alongside the Edmonton Oil Kings and our local communities to make an even greater impact in 2026.”

The collaborative campaign highlights the role of independent collision repair facilities in supporting local social infrastructure. Andrew Northrup, Zone Director for CARSTAR Canada, noted that community involvement is fundamental to the brand’s identity, adding that joining forces with the Edmonton Oil Kings and local franchise partners helps equip area students for success both inside and outside the classroom.