Over 1,000 Pairs of Winter Boots and More than $80,000 in Cash are Contributed in Detroit
Toyota Motor North America through its 6th annual “Toyota Walk In My Boots” community outreach project focused on homeless and low-income families, has provided insulated winter boots and socks to more than 150 participants of The Salvation Army Harbor Light and Booth Family Shelter in Detroit, a homeless shelter for primarily women and single mothers and their children.
Without adequate clothing, often low-income families and people experiencing homelessness 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 cold winter months, 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 Captain Jamie Winkler, Director, The Salvation Army Eastern Harbor Light System.
The Salvation Army Detroit Harbor Light/Booth Family Shelter located in Detroit provides residents with emergency shelter for up to 90 days for single women and single mothers and their 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.
Alva Mason, Director, Multicultural Dealer Relations and Business Strategy, Toyota Motor North America. “We want to help build great communities; and in times like these, we must remember to help one another. We want the work that is being done at The Salvation Army Harbor Light/Booth Family Shelter to continue for years to come. And, we hope that our donation of winter boots and socks to the families will help to enrich their lives…one step at a time.”
Toyota also donated $15,000 to The Salvation Army Harbor Light/Booth Family Shelter enabling them to continue to provide refuge for children and families in times of crisis. In its sixth year, through this program, Toyota has donated over 1,000 pairs of winter boots and contributed more than $80,000 in cash just in Detroit alone. The project has also been held in Chicago, Washington DC and, Baltimore, Maryland.