Great to have the kids involved isn't it?
That engine heater is made here:
http://fivestarmanufacturing.com/Kat_s
it's worth about 10 bux here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-engi...46e803&vxp=mtr
and is supposed to make your engine start easier if you plug it into the house before you fire it up on cold days, sorta like a diesel engine warmer.
I'd toss it but I'm in OK where it's 80 degrees in the winter (just about anyway!)