Toyota Kicks Off Baltimore Auto Show By Donating Winter Boots and Socks to Those In Need

Without adequate clothing, often people experiencing homelessness and low-income families have a much higher risk than the general population of developing exposure-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. "With the need greater than ever because of the often cold winter days, we are blessed to have support from good corporate citizens like Toyota, who are 'Doing the Most Good' by raising awareness of our mission to feed, shelter and clothe those who are less fortunate," said Major Gene A. Hogg, area commander, The Salvation Army of Central Maryland.   

If you are poor, you are essentially an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets.  In Maryland in 2016, it was estimated that 29,670 people were homeless, up 6% from 2015.  Nearly 51% of all homeless people in the State of Maryland live in Baltimore City and Baltimore County alone.  Meanwhile, nearly 24% of Baltimore's population is living below the poverty line, which is $20,090 a year for a family of three. 

"At Toyota, we want to build great cars and trucks as well as help build great communities; and in times like these, we must remember to help one another," said John Ridgeway, corporate manager, CSCE, Toyota Financial Services.  "We want the work that is being done at The Salvation Army of Central Maryland to continue for years to come.  And, we hope that our donation will help to enrich lives…one step at a time."

With this donation, many families will be shielded from an unpredictable winter.  Toyota also donated $15,000 to The Salvation Army of Central Maryland enabling them to continue to provide refuge for children and families in times of crisis.  They also treated the families to a "Thanksgiving-style" buffet luncheon catered by JD's Catering.  Baltimore Native MESHELLE, the Indie-Mom of Comedy, gave the families some encouraging words as she grew up in Baltimore and understands the many struggles that families are facing right now.

The Salvation Army Booth House Shelter provides residents with emergency shelter and transitional shelter for up to 90 days for women, men and families with children who have become victims of unfortunate life circumstances such as house fire, job loss, foreclosure or domestic violence.  Through the shelter they can receive emergency assistance, case management and pastoral care and worship and special services such as utility assistance, down payment assistance toward first month's rent, food and clothing assistance. Meanwhile, The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Franklin Square and Middle River, works with families, schools, and outside agencies to provide at-risk youth, ages 6 to 18, with fun educational, recreational, cultural, and technological experiences, helping them to build new friendships, learn new skills, and explore their own talents and strengths. 

About Toyota Motor North America
Toyota (NYSE:TM), creator of the Prius and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to advancing mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands.  Over the past 60 years, we've produced more than 30 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 44,000 people (more than 34,000 in the U.S.).  Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold almost 2.6 million cars and trucks (2.45 million in the U.S.) in 2016 – and about 85 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road today.  

Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing mobility challenges. We share company resources and extensive know-how to support non-profits to help expand their ability to assist more people move more places. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Related Links

http://www.toyotanewsroom.com