MEDIA ADVISORY
Toyota Steps In To Donate Winter Boots and Socks To Homeless Chicago Families
'Toyota Walk In My Boots' Community Outreach Project
Enriching Lives...One Step At A Time at The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge
Held in conjunction with the 2016 Chicago Auto Show
Chicago, IL - While Toyota will debut several new vehicles at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, for the third year, it is also stepping in to help area homeless families by providing new winter boots and socks to residents of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge, a homeless haven for families, in Chicago through its "Toyota Walk In My Boots" community outreach project.
If you are poor, you are essentially an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets. Without adequate clothing to fight the cold elements of a Chicago winter, people experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk than the general population of developing exposure-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. 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 Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge is a haven 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 Lodge also provides food, clothing, and housing and job search assistance, as well as, tutoring and after school activities for the children.
When: Saturday, February 13, 2016; Media check-in, 10:45 a.m.; Press Conference, 11:00 a.m.
MEDIA EVENT/PHOTO OP - "Toyota Walk In My Boots" Community Outreach Project includes winter boots and socks distribution to over 200 residents of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge; and a $15,000 donation presentation from Toyota Motor North America to The Salvation Army of Chicago Metropolitan Division. Toyota will provide a "Thanksgiving-Style" buffet luncheon for the residents.
Where: The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge
800 W. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
I.D. is required for entrance. Parking is available on the west side of the building.
Who: Spokespersons include: Jim Colon, vice president, African American Business Strategy - Corporate Communications, Toyota Motor North America, Lt. Colonel Charles H. Smith, divisional commander, The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division; Alva Mason, national director, African American Business Strategy - Corporate Communications, Toyota Motor North America, Tony Mueller, general manager, Chicago Region, Toyota Motor North America. Special guest: The Original Human Beat Box Doug E. Fresh.
Media Inquiries/RSVP:
Crystal Williams
313-402-5722
Crystal Vision Communications, LLC
crystal@crystalvisioncommunications.com
Curt McAllister
313-318-3906
Toyota Midwest Public Relations
curt_mcallister@toyota.com
Chez Ordonez
872-223-7951
TSA Metropolitan Division PR
chez_ordonez@usc.salvationarmy.org