Media Advisory - Toyota To Donate Winter Boots To Low-Income Chicago Families

Media Advisory - Toyota To Donate Winter Boots To Low-Income Chicago Families

MEDIA ADVISORY

Enriching Lives…One Step At A Time at The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center
Held in conjunction with the Chicago Auto Show

Chicago, IL – Deemed as the coldest winter in over 40 years, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, through its “Toyota Walk In My Boots” community outreach project and Chicago Auto Show activities, is stepping in to help area low-income families by providing new insulated boots to more than 100 families of The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center located in the Near West Side of Chicago.  Often low-income families do not have adequate clothing to fight the cold elements of a Chicago winter.  While many programs offer winter coat giveaways, a person’s feet are often left vulnerable to freezing temperatures and even frostbite.  With this donation, many families will be shielded from the cold.  In addition, Toyota plans to give a $15,000 donation to The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division enabling them to continue to provide support for families in times of crisis.

The Chicago Temple Corps is The Salvation Army's oldest continuous ministry in Chicago since 1886.  The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center, servicing the Near West Side, where 48% of the residents make less than $15,000 a year and unemployment is hovering around 40%, provides Social Services and Emergency Assistance (utility and rent assistance; food certificates; car fare for variable appointments; and funds for emergency lodging), as well as, a Food Pantry.  The center also provides tutoring for high school students, youth character building and leadership development programs.  A monthly Community Legal Service Clinic and year-round Pastoral Counseling are also provided.

When:
Saturday, February 8, 2013; Media check-in, 11:15 a.m.; Press Conference, 11:30 a.m.
MEDIA EVENT/PHOTO OP – “Toyota Walk In My Boots” Community Outreach Project includes winter boot distribution to select TSA Temple Corps Center families; and a $15,000 donation presentation from Toyota Motor Sales, USA to The Salvation Army of Chicago Metropolitan Division

Where:
The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center
1 N. Ogden Avenue
Chicago, IL  60607
Event will take place in the gymnasium.  I.D. is required to enter the building.

Who:  
Spokespersons include:  Michael Rouse, vice president, Diversity, Philanthropy & Community Affairs, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.; Alva Mason, manager, Dealer Diversity and Community Relations, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.; Lt. Colonel Ralph Bukiewicz, divisional commander, The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division; and Envoy Tyrone Staggers, corps administrator, TSA Temple Corps Community Center. 

Media Inquiries/RSVP:
Crystal Williams  
313-402-5722 
Crystal Vision Communications, LLC 
crystal@crystalvisioncommunications.com

Curt McAllister
313-318-3906
Toyota Midwest Corporate Communications
curt_mcallister@toyota.com

Alyse Chung
773-350-4313
TSA Chicago Metropolitan Division PR
alyse_chung@usc.salvationarmy.org

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