TOYOTA SHIFTS FOCUS TO BALTIMORE’S WEST SIDE BY DONATING BOOTS AND SOCKS TO THE FRANKLIN S
‘Walk In My Boots’ Community Outreach Program
Transforming Lives…One Step at A Time through The Salvation Army Franklin Square Boys & Girls Club and Baltimore Temple Corps
Photo by Antoinette Charles
Baltimore, MD – Helping communities throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan area, Toyota Motor North America shifted its focus to the Franklin Square neighborhood through its “Walk In My Boots” community outreach project held in partnership with The Salvation Army of Central Maryland. On Saturday, January 28, 2023, more than 150 children, youth and their families from The Salvation Army (TSA) Franklin Square Boys & Girls Club, and the TSA Baltimore Temple Corps received new Bogs waterproof insulated boots and wool socks to help shield families from the cold, rain, and snowy days. This is Toyota’s 7th year supporting the project throughout various neighborhoods in the Baltimore area, and the first time supporting the Franklin Square neighborhood.
While some programs offer winter coat, hat and glove giveaways, a person’s feet are often left exposed as many families take the bus or walk in harsh weather conditions. With freezing rain and snow, nothing gets cold faster than wet feet. In a short period of time, people can be at risk for severe hypothermia and consequences can be fatal.
“The Salvation Army of Central Maryland is blessed to have corporate partners like Toyota to give life-changing boots and socks to children and families in West Baltimore,” said Major Roger Glick, area commander, The Salvation Army of Central Maryland. “Investing in quality boots and socks can help keep feet dry, warm, and comfortable for longer periods of time. Thank you to Toyota, for giving families in Baltimore love beyond winter boots.”
With this project, in the Baltimore area alone, Toyota has donated over 1,700 pairs of boots and socks to local families and contributed more than $105,000 to The Salvation Army of Central Maryland. Sharing resources throughout the Baltimore area, boots and socks have been given to families in need through TSA Boys & Girls Clubs in Middle River and Glen Burnie, as well as the TSA Booth House for women. The project has also been held in Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, Harrisburg, PA, and Minneapolis, MN.
“Many people know Toyota as a car company, but we’re so much more than that,” said Alva Adams Mason, executive group manager, Multicultural Business Alliance and Strategy and Multicultural Dealer Relations, Toyota Motor North America. “We are passionate about serving in the communities where we live and work. With so many people in need due to the recent pandemic crises and economic downturn, it’s a major reason why Toyota continues to do whatever we can to ensure that Baltimore families are getting the help they need.”
TSA Franklin Square Boys & Girls Club provides children and youth with educational, spiritual, and recreational programs. They work collectively 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. Programs provided also promote teamwork, healthy lifestyle choices and community involvement. Meanwhile, TSA Baltimore Temple Corps seeks to be a lighthouse in the community spreading love through weekly activities and church services.
It was a great afternoon as Toyota brought a ray of sunshine and warmth to the families. One family member said, “We are grateful to Toyota for giving my family these boots. I have five kids in my family and its tough buying boots for them. Now, my kids don’t have to walk to school in the cold rain without boots, and my feet will be warm too.”
Toyota also donated $15,000 to The Salvation Army of Central Maryland enabling them to continue to support the communities they serve. A delicious home-style meal catered by Black Tie Catering was served to the families as well. Adams Mason said, “Toyota seeks to provide opportunities that improve people’s lives by supporting those in need, transforming lives … one step at a time.”