MUSCATINE, Iowa —  The people at Muscatine’s Krieger Auto Group know that sales manager Bill Lechner is a dedicated employee.

And now they know he is also devoted to helping children.

That fact came to light this month as company president Doug Krieger and his brother, Mark Krieger, vice president of the company, were deciding how to honor Lechner, who is retiring after 35 years.

Doug Krieger said he and Mark asked Bill’s significant other, Rhonda Maxwell, for suggestions.

“She said, ‘Whatever you do, it has to benefit the kids of Muscatine,’” said Doug Krieger.

After that, the answer was simple.

This marks the ninth year the Krieger Auto Group has sponsored the Toy Time Christmas toy drive. Toys from that drive will go to the Salvation Army this year, so the Kriegers donated $1,000 to that cause in Lechner’s name.

The donation came as a big surprise to Lechner and Captains Mary and Quentin Boyle, who oversee operations at the Muscatine Salvation Army. They all found out Friday during the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle drive annual kickoff at the McAvoy University Center at Muscatine Community College.

“The community of Muscatine is so giving and caring,” said Quentin Boyle. “This is just another example of that.”

Lechner, who volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, said he enjoys  helping children.

“It’s just in the heart I guess,” he said.