Through this program, in Chicago alone, Toyota has donated more than 1,600 pairs of winter boots and socks to help families in need while contributing over $120,000 to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division in the Chicago area. “We are so grateful to Toyota for their continued support of our mission,” said Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson, Salvation Army Metropolitan Divisional Commander. “Homelessness is a terrible burden that is compounded in the wake of a pandemic and a lack of proper winter gear. Toyota’s generous donations of warm socks and boots will give comfort to those we serve.”
According to The Salvation Army, nearly one of every 20 Chicagoans is homeless. This means families are sleeping on the streets, in cars or moving from family home to family home. This population is most vulnerable during the coldest months of the year. The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge is a shelter 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 Booth Lodge can accommodate as many as 60 families each night. The average stay is 63 days, but some stay longer, depending on the time needed to locate permanent living arrangements.
While the families received winter boots and socks, they were also treated to a “Thanksgiving-style” social distance catered luncheon prepared by Fanfares Catering of Chicago. This is Toyota’s eighth consecutive year supporting the program in Chicago. The project has also been held in Detroit, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Harrisburg, PA.
