Toyota to Kick Off Auto Show Opening Day by Donating Winter Boots and Socks to Local Chicagoland Families in Need
MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact: Curt McAllister
Cell: 313-318-3906
Toyota Midwest Public Relations
Curt. McAllister@toyota.com
Contact:Crystal Williams
Cell: 313-402-5722
Crystal Vision Communications, LLC
crystal@crystalvisioncommunications.com
Contact:Jackie Rachev
Cell: 773-551-9069
The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division PR
Jacqueline_rachev@usc.salvationarmy.org
Contact: Lisa Wilmore
Cell: 313-980-4766
Lisawilmore5@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toyota to Kick Off Auto Show Opening Day by Donating Winter Boots and Socks to Local Chicagoland Families in Need
‘Toyota Walk In My Boots’ Community Outreach Project
Enriching Lives…One Step At A Time at The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge
Chicago, IL – While Toyota will showcase great cars and trucks at the opening day of the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, it will first step in to help Chicagoland homeless families through its “Toyota Walk In My Boots” community outreach program by providing new insulated winter boots and socks to residents of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge, a homeless haven for families in Chicago.
The cold and snow took a grip on the Midwest last week, and these boots and socks will come in handy for many homeless residents because winter isn’t over yet. People experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk than the general population of developing winter exposure-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. While many programs offer winter coat giveaways, a person’s feet are often left unprotected as homeless families are often forced to use local modes of transportation like taking the bus or walking in harsh elements. With this donation, many families will be shielded from the cold. In addition, Toyota plans to donate $15,000 to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division/Greater Chicagoland enabling them to continue to provide support for families in times of crisis.
The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge is a shelter for women and men with children, along with married couples with children suddenly homeless because of eviction, disasters such as a fire or flood, loss of utilities, domestic violence, being stranded while traveling or other crises. The average stay is 63 days, but some stay longer, depending on the time needed to locate permanent living arrangements. The Booth Lodge also provides food, clothing, and housing and job search assistance, as well as, tutoring and after school activities for the children.
When: Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019; Media check-in, 10:45 a.m.; Press Conference, 11:00 a.m.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS/PHOTO OP – Toyota executives and local dealers will distribute winter boots and socks to 100 residents of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge; along with a $15,000 donation check presentation from Toyota Motor North America to The Salvation Army of Chicago Metropolitan Division. Toyota will also provide a “Thanksgiving-Style” buffet luncheon for the residents.
RSVP to: Lisa Wilmore at 313-980-4766, or via email to lisawilmore5@aol.com.
Where: The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge
800 W. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
Parking is available on the west side of the building.
Who: Speakers include:
Joe Van Wagner, vehicle field sales manager, Chicago Region, Toyota Motor North America;
Major Kjell Steinsland, divisional secretary for Business, The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division;
Jason Roberts, general manager, Advantage Toyota of River Oaks; and
Paige Barton, analyst, Multicultural Dealer Relations & External Engagement, Toyota Motor North America
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