TOYOTA DONATES WINTER BOOTS AND SOCKS TO CHICAGOLAND HOMELESS FAMILIES
Toyota will continue its commitment to support the local community for the seventh consecutive year through its "Walk In My Boots" community outreach project held during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. Over 175 homeless family members from The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge and The Salvation Army Shield of Hope, will receive new insulated winter boots and socks along with a Thanksgiving-style buffet luncheon. Toyota also plans to give a $15,000 donation to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division enabling them to continue to provide shelter for children and families in times of crisis.
While many programs offer winter coat and hat giveaways, a person's feet are often left exposed as many homeless and low-income families take the bus, train, or walk in harsh elements. With this donation, many families will be shielded from the cold. In Chicago alone, Toyota has donated over 1,400 pairs of winter boots and socks and has contributed over $105,000 to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. The program has also been held in Detroit, Baltimore, Washington, DC; and Harrisburg, PA.
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 Booth Lodge can accommodate as many as 60 families each night. The average stay is 63 days, but some stay longer, depending on the time needed to locate permanent living arrangements. The Salvation Army Shield of Hope, the nation's first Emergency Homeless Assessment and Response Center, can provide shelter for up to 75 people. Families receive help in identifying more stable living situations within 14 days. Upon their move, families are connected with community support services to better navigate their futures.
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020; Media check-in, 11:45 a.m.; Press Conference, 12:00 p.m.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS/PHOTO OP - Toyota executives and local dealer reps. will distribute winter boots and socks to 175 residents of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge and The Salvation Army Shield of Hope; along with a $15,000 donation check presentation from Toyota Motor North America to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. Toyota will also provide a "Thanksgiving-Style" buffet luncheon.
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:
Dana Green, SPHR, CCP, Manager, Regional Engagement, Social Innovation/Diversity + Inclusion, Toyota Motor North America
Major Kjell Steinsland, general secretary, The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division
John Romeo, vehicle marketing manager, Toyota Chicago Region
Jason Roberts, general manager, Advantage Toyota of River Oaks
Select family members will be available for interviews immediately following the program.
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