Toyota Returns To Donate Winter Boots To Homeless Women and Children

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- An estimated 95,000 Michigan residents were homeless in 2011; including 14,000 children under the age of 11. Over half (51%) were first-time homeless, and 28% of homeless families were the working poor. In Detroit alone, over 20,000 people were counted as homeless; and urban families were more likely to have a female head of household. Often homeless individuals do not have adequate clothing to fight the cold elements of a Michigan winter. While many programs offer winter coat giveaways, a person's feet are often left vulnerable to freezing temperatures and even frost bite.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, through its "Walk In My Boots" community project, is stepping in to help area homeless women and children by providing new insulated boots – for the second year – to the residents of The Salvation Army Denby Center for Children and Family Services in Detroit. The Denby Center currently offers shelter for up to 200 residents -- primarily women and single mothers and their children -- due to job loss, house fires, foreclosure or domestic violence. Residents can remain in the shelter for up to 90 days. Toyota also plans to give a $10,000 donation to The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit enabling them to continue to provide refuge for children and families in times of crisis. They also plan to provide an event luncheon buffet for residents of the facility.

Through this project, Toyota is continuing to help the Michigan economy get back on its feet. The insulated boots are being supplied by Moosejaw, a Michigan-based outdoor retailer specializing in outdoor recreation apparel and gear. Moosejaw has continued to create jobs locally with six locations in Michigan and is expanding while many Detroit area companies are downsizing.

SOURCE Toyota