There certainly will be no coal or switches in Bruce Schindler?s Christmas stocking this year. In fact, he should move to the top of Santa?s list, as the Towson businessman ? in true holiday spirit ? has gift-wrapped a most generous donation to his favorite nonprofit.

Schindler, president and CEO of Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln Mercury Inc., has pledged $25,000 to support Pathfinders for Autism, a charitable organization founded by the parents of children with autism. Although he does not have a family member affected by autism, he is familiar with the disorder through his friendship with Orioles Hall-of-Famer B.J. Surhoff and his wife, Polly, whose son Mason lives with autism.